She certainly could not take long walks that winter, but
she never likes walking. People said she looked ill, but I do not
know.'
'Shall I tell you what I gather from your history?'
'Pray do.'
'Then do not think me very perverse, if I say that perhaps the grief
she then repressed may have weighed down her spirits ever since, so
that you can hardly remember any alteration.'
'That I cannot,' said Lily. 'She is always the same, but then she
ought to have been more cheerful before his death.'
'Did not you lose him soon after your mother?' said Alethea.
'Two whole years,' said Lily. 'Oh! and aunt, Robert too, and Frank
went to India the beginning of that year; yes, there was enough to
depress her, but I never thought of grief going on in that quiet dull
way for so many years.'
'You would prefer one violent burst, and then forgetfulness?'
'Not exactly,' said Lily; 'but I should like a little evidence of it.
If it is really strong, it cannot be hid.'
Little did Lily think of the grief that sat heavy upon the spirit of
Alethea, who answered--'Some people can do anything that they
consider their duty.'
'Duty: what, are you a duty lover?' exclaimed Lilias.
Pages:
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84