“I am not in a position to choose,” she said. “I am prepared for some small hardships.”
Mrs. Harrington turned to ring the bell. With the sudden caprice which her money had enabled her to cultivate, she had taken a liking to Eve.
“You will have some tea?” she said.
Eve turned to thank her, and suddenly her heart leaped to her throat. She caught her breath, and did not answer for a moment.
“Thank you,” she said; and her eyes stole back to the mantelpiece, where a large photograph of Fitz seemed to watch her with a quiet, thoughtful smile.
The whole room appeared to be different after that. Mrs. Harrington seemed to be a different woman--the world seemed suddenly to be a smaller place and less lonely.
During the remainder of the short visit they talked of indifferent topics, while Captain Bontnor remained silent. Mrs. Harrington’s caprice grew stronger, and before tea was over she said--
“My dear, if you will not come and live with me, at all events make use of me. Your uncle will, no doubt, have to make some small changes in his household. I propose that you stay with me a week or ten days, until he is ready for you.”
This with a slight conciliatory bow towards Captain Bontnor, who stared remorselessly at the clock.
“Thank you; I should very much like to,” said Eve, mindful of the mantelpiece.