There she paused. She did not dare to knock at the
cottage door; she could not bear to speak to Mrs. Eden; she dreaded
the sight of Mrs. Grey or Kezia, and she gazed wistfully at the
house, longing, yet fearing, to know what was passing within it. She
wandered up and down the field, and at last was trying to make up her
mind to return home, when she heard footsteps behind her, and
turning, saw Mr. Devereux advancing along the path at the other end
of the field.
'Have you been to inquire for Agnes?' said he.
'I could not. I long to know, but I cannot bear to ask, I cannot
venture in.'
'Do you like to go in with me?' said her cousin. 'I do not think you
will see anything dreadful.'
'Thank you,' said Lily, 'I would give anything to know about her.'
'How you tremble! but you need not be afraid.'
He knocked at the door, but there was no answer; he opened it, and
going to the foot of the stairs, gently called Mrs. Eden, who came
down calm and quiet as ever, though very pale.
'How is she?'
'No better, sir, thank you, light-headed still.'
'Oh! Mrs. Eden, I am so sorry,' sobbed Lily. 'Oh! can you forgive
me?'
'Pray do not take on so, Miss,' said Mrs.
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