“It is already too late,” answered the girl in a low, quiet tone, “the deed is done.”
CHAPTER IX.
WHAT ESPY SAID ABOUT IT.
“Dost thou deem
It such an easy task from the fond breast
To root affection out?”—Southey.
“What shall I do? what shall I do?” Mrs. Alden asked herself again and again as, in great perturbation of spirit, she awaited Espy’s return. “How angry and distressed he’ll be, poor boy!”
She was at a loss to determine whether it would be best to break the news to him herself, or to let him hear it first from Floy or his father.
But circumstances decided for her. As she sat at the window watching the lengthening shadows as the sun drew near his setting, and saying to herself that Espy was very late—it was nearly tea-time, and she almost began to fear that he had met with some accident—she heard the gate swing, and turning her head saw him coming up the gravel walk that led from it to the house.
He moved with rapid strides, and there was an angry flush on his cheek, an indignant light in his eye, which told her at once that he had already been made aware of the unfortunate turn affairs had taken.