"I saw her," said Mr. Lindsay, smiling; "and she looked anything but dull or sober. I would rather have her gravity, after all, Catherine, than anybody else's merriment I know."
"I wish she had never been detained in America after the time when she should have come to us," said Mrs. Lindsay.
"I wish the woman had what she deserves that kept back the letters!" said Mr. Lindsay.
"Yes, indeed!" said his sister; "and I have been in continual fear of a visit from that very person that you say gave Ellen the book."
"He isn't here!" said Mr. Lindsay.
"I don't know where he is; but he was on this side of the water, at the time Ellen came on; so she told me."
"I wish he was in Egypt!"
"I don't intend he shall see her if he comes," said Lady Keith, "if I can possibly prevent it. I gave Porterfield orders, if any one asked for her, to tell me immediately, and not her upon any account; but nobody has come hitherto, and I am in hopes none will."
Mr. Lindsay arose, and walked up and down the room with folded arms, in a very thoughtful style.
Ellen, with some difficulty, bore herself as usual throughout the next day and evening, though constantly on the rack to get possession of her book again. It was not spoken of nor hinted at. When another morning came she could stand it no longer; she went, soon after breakfast, into Mr. Lindsay's study, where he was writing. Ellen came behind him, and, laying both her arms over his shoulders, said in his ear