“He is a noble man and brother, and has done much toward developing my spirit. I want you to know him well, and learn what a friend and companion he can be to woman.”
At that moment they wound around the drive, and he came to meet them, his face full of kindness and affection, greeting his sister as though she had been gone weeks, instead of hours only; and bestowing a look of generous hospitality upon Dawn, whose thoughts seemed to grow richer every moment in his presence.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Gladly would Dawn have spent many days with Basil and his sister, but her life was too active to allow her to tarry long in one place. On the evening of the day, the events of which were narrated in our last chapter, a note was placed in her hand from Mrs. Austin, stating that she was ill and needed her presence.
“You cannot go before to-morrow,” broke in both sister and brother, at once.
“We must make much of this evening,” said Beatrice.
“And spend it as though it was our last together; for life's conditions are so uncertain,” remarked Basil, in that far-off tone, in which he often spoke.
“We may have many experiences before another meeting, yet I hope we shall come together again soon.”