'What did you know was coming?'
She appeared for a moment to be searching in her mind for the best way of telling me, and at the same time expressing her sympathy; then with lowered eyes replied: 'I loved Tom—I always shall love him—and he can't love me.'
She knew then! Probably every one but myself had seen it!
'In that case, you know that such things are not to be talked about, Becky.'
'Yes, Miss; only'——
'I know that it was your regard for me which made you mention it. But we need all our strength just now—you as well as I—and we must not think or speak of anything that will weaken it. I want your help, and to help me you must be cool and quiet and strong. Will you try to be that?'
'Yes; I will—I will indeed, dear Miss Haddon;' eagerly adding: 'What can I do?'
I stood pressing my two hands upon my temples in anxious thought a few moments, then asked: 'Do I look unlike my usual self, Becky—ill? Tell me exactly how I look to you?' thinking of the effect which the first sight of me had had upon her!
'Yes; you look terrible white, and wild, and trembling; and there's great black rims round your eyes,' gravely and straightforwardly replied Becky.
'As though I had been frightened by the storm. There has been a storm; hasn't there?'