“Not ill,” was the low answer; “only a little fatigued.”
“Would you prefer that I spoke with you in the morning? You would like, possibly, to retire to bed at once.”
But Lady Isabel declined. Better get the interview over by candlelight than by daylight.
“You look so very pale, I feared you might be ill.”
“I am generally pale; sometimes remarkably so; but my health is good.”
“Mrs. Latimer wrote us word that you would be quite sure to suit us,” freely spoke Barbara. “I hope you will; and that you may find your residence here agreeable. Have you lived much in England?”
“In the early portion of my life.”
“And you have lost your husband and your children? Stay. I beg your pardon if I am making a mistake; I think Mrs. Latimer did mention children.”
“I have lost them,” was the faint, quiet response.
“Oh, but it must be terrible grief when children die!” exclaimed Barbara, clasping her hands in emotion. “I would not lose my babe for the world! I could not part with him.”