"No, I can't do anything," said Diana, withdrawing her right hand from her cousin, and clasping both on her breast. "I can only--"
But the word died on her lips; she turned abruptly away, adding, hurriedly, in another tone: "If you ever want anything, you know we're always here--Mrs. Colwood and I. Please give us your address."
"Thanks." Fanny retreated; but could not forbear, as she reached the door, from letting loose the thought which burned her inner mind. She turned round deliberately. "Mr. Marsham'll cheer you up, Diana!--you'll see. Of course, he'll behave like a gentleman. It won't make a bit of difference to you. I'll just ask Mrs. Colwood to tell me when it's all fixed up."
Diana said nothing. She was hanging over the fire, and her face was hidden. Fanny waited a moment, then opened the door and went.
As soon as the carriage conveying Miss Merton to the station had safely driven off, Mrs. Colwood, who, in no conventional sense, had been speeding the parting guest, ran up-stairs again to Diana's room.
"She's gone?" said Diana, faintly. She was standing by the window. As she spoke the carriage came into view at a bend of the drive and disappeared into the trees beyond. Mrs. Colwood saw her shiver.
"Did she leave you her address?"
"Yes. Don't think any more about her. I have something to tell you."
Diana's painful start was the measure of her state. Muriel Colwood put her arms tenderly round the slight form.