Rupert made no answer, for this talk of hers all seemed part of his fantastic imaginings at the dinner-table, a sad music to which they were set. Yet he remembered that once before she had spoken to him of renunciation when, as a lad, he lay sick after the death of Clara; remembered, too, that from that day to this he had practised its stern creed, devoting himself to duty and following after faith. Why, now on this joyous night, the night of his re-birth in honest love, did his mother again preach to him her stern creed of renunciation?
At least it was one in which that company did not believe. How merry they were, as though there were no such things as sorrow, sickness, and death, or bitter disillusionment, that is worse than death. Listen! the music began, and see, they were dancing. Dick was waltzing with Edith, and notwithstanding her hurt shoulder, seemed to be holding her close enough. They danced beautifully, like one creature, their bodies moving like a single body. Why should he mind it when she was his, and his alone? Why should he feel sore because he whose life had been occupied in stern business had never found time to learn to dance?
Hark! the sound of the bells from the neighbouring church floated sweetly, solemnly into the hall, dominating the music. The year was dying, the new year was at hand. Edith ceased her waltzing and came towards Rupert, one tall, white figure on that wide expanse of polished floor, and so graceful were her slow movements that they put him in mind of a sea-gull floating through the air, or a swan gliding on the water. To him she came, smiling sweetly, then as the turret clock boomed out the hour of midnight, whispered in his ear:
“I whom you have made so happy wish you a happy New Year—with me, Rupert,” and turning, she curtseyed to him ever so little.
In the chorus of general congratulations no one heard her low speech, though Mrs. Ullershaw noted the curtsey and the look upon Edith’s face—Rupert’s she could not see, for his back was to her—and wondered what they meant, not without anxiety. Could it be—well, if it was, why should the thing trouble her? Yet troubled she was, without a doubt, so much so that all this scene of gaiety became distasteful to her, and she watched for an opportunity to rise and slip away.
Meanwhile Rupert was enraptured, enchanted with delight, so much so that he could find no answer to Edith’s charming speech, except to mutter—“Thank you. Thank you.” Words would not come, and to go down upon his knees before her, which struck him as the only fitting acknowledgment of that graceful salutation, was clearly impossible. She smiled at his embarrassment, thinking to herself how differently the ready-witted Dick, whose side she had just left, would have dealt with such a situation, then went on quickly:
“Your mother is preparing to leave us, and you will wish to go with her. So good-night, dearest, for I am tired, and shan’t stop here long. I shall count the days till we meet in London. Again, good-night, good-night!” and brushing her hand against his as she passed, she left him.
CHAPTER VIII.
EDITH’S CRUSHED LILIES
“Rupert,” said his mother, “I want you to give me your arm to my room, I am going to bed.”
“Certainly,” he answered, “but wait one minute, dear. I have to take that eight o’clock train to-morrow morning, so I will just say good-bye to Tabitha, as I shan’t come back again.”