“I pity you from my heart, dearest Emmeline; but comfort you I cannot.”
For a moment, Emmeline seemed overpowered by emotion. She then found relief in tears, and her head dropped on Mildred's shoulder.
“Think of him no more—think of him no more!” cried Mildred. “He does not deserve your love, I, his sister, say so.”
Emmeline made no response, but continued to sob.
Neither of them were aware that Lady Barfleur had entered the gallery.
Greatly surprised at what she beheld, her ladyship stood still. Fortunately she did not hear the words uttered by Mildred, so she could only guess at the cause of this sudden outburst of grief.
At length she announced her presence by a slight cough, and Mildred perceived her.
“Calm yourself, dearest girl,” she whispered to Emmeline. “Your mother is here.”
“Here!” exclaimed Emmeline, looking up. “Yes, I see. Can she have heard anything?”
“I think not. But be calm, or you will betray yourself!”