Eugenia kissed her as she was setting off, kissed her affectionately, and thanked her “for being so good to her.” So Sydney departed in much better spirits.
She did not meet Frank; her business detained her somewhat longer than she expected, an hour and a half had passed before she found herself at her own door again.
“Is Mrs Chancellor in the drawing-room?” she inquired of the servant, as she went in.
The girl’s wits were not of the brightest at any time. Now she looked confused and frightened. “I thought you knew, ma’am,” she exclaimed, “I fetched a fly immediately you had gone out, for the lady. She has gone.”
“Gone!” cried Sydney, in dismay, forgetful of everything except the shock of distress and disappointment.
“She left this note for you, ma’am,” added the servant.
“Perhaps she has gone home,” thought Sydney, with sudden hope. She tore open the envelope.
“Thank you, dearest Sydney,” said the note, “for your love and kindness. After what you have told me, however, of your husband’s feelings, I cannot stay longer with you. But do not be uneasy about me. I will write to you in a day or two. I cannot tell you where I am going, for I do not know myself. I am very miserable and very desolate; but I am not so selfish as to wish, to make you unhappy too.
“Your affectionate Eugenia.”
“What else is she doing than making me miserable too?” thought Sydney. “Oh, Eugenia, this is very cruel of you.”
Frank came in almost immediately. He too was greatly distressed, and at first a little alarmed, and in consequence of these feelings, after the manner of men, he relieved himself by scolding his wife.