Chapter Twenty Three.
A Confession.
“And so you are engaged too, Norah!”
Half an hour had passed since Rex had left Cloudsdale, and Lettice and Norah wore seated in the bedroom which they shared together, Norah still trembling and tearful, Lettice full of wide-eyed interest.
“And so you are engaged too!”
“No, not engaged. There is nothing definite, but I know that he cares for me, and I have promised to wait—”
“It’s the same thing, but—five years! It is a terribly long time! So much may happen before then. You may change your mind!”
“No! I can’t explain, but I simply could not think of anyone else while Rex was alive. It would be all the same if it were fifteen years. You need not pity me, Lettice. I shall keep house for father after you and Hilary are married, and I shall be quite happy. I don’t think anything could make me unhappy again, now that I know Rex cares for me, and that when he comes back—” Norah stopped short, and Lettice drew in her breath with a painful respiration.
“Oh, Norie, I envy you! I wish I felt like that. I could never, never marry Arthur if I had to go out to India, and leave you all behind. Even now— Norah! if I speak out to you, will you keep it to yourself? Will you promise faithfully not to repeat a word to father or Hilary, or anyone else? Will you? Answer, Norah, yes or no!”
“I—I—yes, I promise, Lettice, if you wish it, but wouldn’t it be better—”