He took down the small, beautiful image of our Saviour, in carved ivory, that was wont to hang over the mantelpiece, and held it to her lips. She did as she was told, and so sealed the secret.
There was nothing more. Adeline, a very ghost of despair, quitted the cabinet. Outside she encountered Rose.
"What a long time you have been in there!" was the young lady's eager exclamation. "Your wedding-dress is come, with lots more things, nearly a fourgon full, Louise says. They are gone upstairs to inspect them, and I have been waiting for you, all impatience. No reason why we should not admire them, you know, though matters are cross. But--Adeline!"
Adeline lifted her eyes at the sudden exclamation.
"How ill you look!"
"Is Mr. St. John in the drawing-room?" was the only rejoinder.
"He has been there this half-hour. I left him there, 'all alone in his glory,' for I could stay away from the view no longer. I shall go upstairs without you, if you are not coming."
"I will follow you presently," she murmured.
"Adeline, let me into a secret. I won't tell. Will the dress be worn for the purpose it was intended--de la Chasse's wedding?"
"Yes," she feebly answered, passing on to the west drawing-room.