You have a comforting face and voice
like nobody else. When did you come? Have you been in the drawing-
room?'
'No,' said Alethea. 'I walked here with Marianne, and finding there
were visitors in the drawing-room we went to Ada, and she told me
where to find you. I had something to tell you--but perhaps you know
already.'
The colour on her cheek recalled all Lily's fears, and to hear the
news from herself was an unexpected trial. She felt as if what she
had said justified Emily's reproach, and turning away her head,
replied, 'Yes, I know.'
Alethea was a little hurt by her coldness, but she ascribed it to
dejection and embarrassment, and blamed herself for hurrying on what
she had to tell without sufficient regard for Lily's distress. There
was an awkward pause, which Alethea broke, by saying, 'Your brother
thought you would like to hear it from me.'
'My brother!' cried Lily, with a most sudden change of tone.
'William? Oh, Alethea! dearest Alethea; I beg your pardon. They
almost made me believe it was papa. Oh! I am so very glad!'
Alethea could not help laughing, and Lily joined her heartily. It
was one of the brightest hours of her life, as she sat with her hand
in her friend's, pouring out her eager expressions of delight and
affection.
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