"Then I suppose I had better open it," returned Althea. "There was some talk of their going to Cleveland Terrace to have tea with Mollie, if they finished their shopping in time. Perhaps this is to say that she is out or engaged." And then Althea opened the yellow envelope. But her countenance changed as she read the telegram.
"Do not come," was all it said. "Mollie is ill—will write." It was from Everard Ward.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
"BUT YET THE PITY OF IT."
"The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together."—All's Well that Ends Well.
"For this relief much thanks."—Hamlet.
When Althea had read the brief message, she told Mitchell very quietly that there was no answer required, and that she might give the boy some refreshment and send him away; and then, as the maid left the room, she handed the telegram to Moritz.
It troubled her kind heart to see the pain in his eyes as he read it. He was quite pale, and his lips twitched under his moustache.