To Rotha's relief however, Mr. Southwode did not ask why or how, but let the conversation drift on to other subjects.
As they were returning through the long course of rooms and passages to the library, Mrs. Mowbray as before leading the way; in one of the lower rooms, dimly lighted, Rotha's steps lingered. She came close to her companion's side and spoke in a lowered tone, timidly.
"Digby—will you ask aunt Serena to come to Southwode?"
"No, my darling," said he, drawing her up to him;—"I will not."
"Then—I?"
"You, and no other. And without my name coming in at all."
"It will not hold for half as much."
"It must. You are the mistress of the house. And besides,—it may be very well that you, who have been injured, should shew your forgiveness; but I am under no such necessity."
"You, who have not been injured, do not forgive her?" said Rotha, laughing a little.
"Yes, I forgive her; but I do not propose to reward her."