Mrs. Elton entering the room at the moment, Margaret said:
“Do you know, ma’am, whether the gentlemen are—in the library again?”
“I don’t know, Margaret. I hope not. We have had enough of that. I will go and find out, though.”
“Will you take my place for a few minutes first, please, ma’am?”
Margaret had felt a growing oppression for some time. She had scarcely left the sick-room that day.
“Don’t leave me, dear Margaret,” said Lady Emily, imploringly.
“Only for a little while, my lady. I shall be back in less than a quarter of an hour.”
“Very well, Margaret,” she answered dolefully.
Margaret went out into the moonlight, and walked for ten minutes. She sought the more open parts, where the winds were. She then returned to the sick-chamber, refreshed and strong.
“Now I will go and see what the gentlemen are about,” said Mrs. Elton.