"
"Utter darkness! How dreadful!" cried Aurelia, shuddering.
"How long has this been, sister?" inquired Harriet.
"About nine years," said Betty. "The lamentable affair took place just
before Sir Jovian's death, and the shock may have hastened it, for he
had long been in a languishing state. It was the more unfortunate,
since he had made Mr. Belamour sole personal guardian to his only
surviving son, and appointed him, together with my father and another
gentleman, trustee for the Belamour property; and there has been much
difficulty in consequence of his being unable to act, or to do more
than give his signature."
"Ah! sister, I wish you had not told me," said Aurelia. "I shall dream
of the unfortunate gentleman all night. Nine years of utter darkness!"
"We know who is still child enough to hate darkness," said Harriet.
"Take care," said Betty. "You must make haste, or I shall leave you
to it."
CHAPTER III. AMONG THE COWSLIPS.
The insect youth are on the wing,
Eager to taste the honeyed spring,
And float amid the liquid noon,
Some lightly on the torrent skim,
Some show their gaily gilded trim,
Quick glancing to the sun.--GRAY
Though hours were early, the morning meal was not served till so late
as really to deserve the title of breakfast.
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