What toys and books I will get for them!"
Yet, when the time for her summons drew nigh, a great dread and shyness
overcame her, lest Mr. Belamour should begin on the subject; and she
only nerved herself by recollecting that he could have had no one to
read to him her father's letter of reply, and that he was scarcely
likely to speak without knowing the contents. Still, it was only
shyness and embarrassment that made her advance timidly, but in one
moment a new sensation, a strange tremor came over her, as instead
of merely her finger-tips, her whole hand was grasped and fervently
pressed, and in the silence that ensued the throbbing of her heart
and the panting of her breath seemed to find an echo. However, the
well-known voice began, "My fair visitor is very good in honouring
me to-night."
Was it coming? Her heart gave such a throb that she could only murmur
something inarticulate, while there was a hasty repressed movement
near her.
"You have heard from your father?" said Mr. Belamour.
"My father is ill, sir," she faltered.
"Ah, yes, so I was sorry to understand. Has he not sent a message to
you through your sister?"
"He has, sir," Aurelia continued, with difficulty, to utter.
There was another silence, another space of tightened breath and
beating heart, absolutely audible, and again a hushed, restless
movement heralded Mr.
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