“He loves her,” she sobbed to herself; “and he cannot see her, he cannot know her, as I do.”
The next moment she was upbraiding herself with her own unworthiness, while he was interpreting her silence into a more softened feeling towards him; and when they parted a few minutes later, and he pressed her hand, Marie felt that if he wished it she could become his slave, while somehow Glen did not feel quite satisfied with his idol.
The sisters did not speak on their way back, while when they re-entered the Palace their aunts were loud in praise of the animation their walk had imparted to their countenances.
“Such news, my dears!” cried Miss Philippa.
“Such good news, my dears!” echoed Miss Isabella.
“Mr Elbraham is coming down to-day,” said Miss Philippa.
“And he will drive Lord Henry Moorpark down in his phaeton.”
“Yes, my sweet darlings,” said Miss Philippa affectionately. “I think, dears, I would sit quietly in the drawing-room all the morning.”
“And go up just before lunch to dress.”
“Yes, dears. Your new morning dresses have come home.”