“Tell me about it, so that I may know the place where they lie.”
So one told her one thing, and one told her another, about the lonely spot where the two graves were side by side. Tessie told of the green turf and the lovely flowers that covered them, and of the budding trees, and the dark shadows which the evergreens made, and the many, many graves and white monuments that could be seen. And then Frederica told her of the far-away view, of the great level over which they could look to the river and the hills beyond. And they both said how peaceful the place was, and how fair and sweet, till Selina smiled, saying,—“I think I can see it all now.”
“And, please God, she shall see it yet as clearly as it lies before us all,” said Edgar softly.
“Do you mean it, Edgar? Can such a thing be possible?” said Mrs Brandon in amaze.
“Please God, she may yet see,” said the young man gravely.
“Ah I do not disturb the sweet quiet of her heart by a hope that may never be realised,” said Cecilia.
“By no means at present,” said her brother; “there is no need for that.”
“It would be a miracle,” said Mrs Brandon.
“A miracle of science and skill,” said Edgar. “We will not speak of this to her, or to any of them, yet; but I cannot but hope that she may see, even before she enters the city by the gates of pearl.”
After that they had a very quiet summer. Madame Precoe went home to her own house, and they did not see her very often. But Miss Agnace was allowed still to remain with them, and the affairs of the household went well and smoothly in her hands. Mr Jerome they never saw, for he had been sent on a mission to a distant city, and they only heard of him now and then through Mr St. Cyr; but they were none the less happy that he was away.