"What is the matter, Gerty? Your heart is fluttering like a frightened bird," he said tenderly, seating her on the sofa and gazing sadly into her pale, wan face. "It is well Hannah is not here or she—"
He stopped abruptly as she exclaimed, with a tear of joy:
"It seems like a dream. I never expected to be so happy again."
"Tell me all your trouble, little sister. I came a great many miles to satisfy myself whether Paul was keeping his promise."
She went on in her childlike way to relate about the party; her sickness; the trouble she had experienced with servants, and the great kindness she had that morning received from Marion Gilbert, the daughter of their clergyman.
"You have a servant now who seems attached to you," Mr. Wallingford answered gravely, recalling her characteristic welcome at the door.
"Yes, she's as kind as can be. I do hope Paul will let me keep her. Marion says she's very teachable."
"Why do you think he will not?"
"She broke a glass dish. She is not generally careless; and he dismissed her." This was the only mention she had made of her husband.
With a calm, steady gaze in her eyes her brother said: