And, Emily,
when you consider how much my father has suffered, and how desolate
his home must be at the best, I think you will be inclined to exert
yourself to prevent him from being anxious about the children or
harassed by your negligence.'
'Indeed, William,' returned Emily, with many tears, 'it is my most
earnest wish to make him comfortable. Thank you for what you have
said. Now that I am stronger, I hope to do more, and I will really
do my best.'
At this moment Emily was sincere; but the good impulse of one instant
was not likely to endure against long cherished habits of selfish
apathy.
Claude did not appear again till the middle of the next day. His
headache was nearly gone, but he was so languid that he gave up all
thoughts of Devereux Castle that evening. Lord Rotherwood, who
always seemed to know what was going on at Beechcroft, came to
inquire for him, and very unwillingly allowed that it would be better
for him to stay at home. Lilias wished to remain with him; but this
her cousin would not permit, saying that he could not consent to lose
three of the party, and Florence would be disappointed in all her
plans. Neither would Claude hear of keeping her at home, and she was
obliged to satisfy herself with putting his arm-chair in his
favourite corner by the fire, with the little table before it,
supplied with books, newspaper, inkstand, paper-knife, and all the
new periodicals, and he declared that he should enjoy the height of
luxury.
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