There was no public disgrace in her
deposition; it would not seem unnatural to the neighbours that her
brother's wife should be at the head of the house. She would gain
credit for her amiability, and she would no longer be responsible or
obliged to exert herself; and as to Alethea herself, she could not
help respecting and almost loving her. It was very well it was no
worse.
In the meantime Lily, struck by a sudden thought, had hastened to her
mother's little deserted morning-room, to see if it could not be made
a delightful abode for Alethea; and she was considering of its
capabilities when she started at the sound of an approaching step.
It was the rapid and measured tread of the Captain, and in a few
moments he entered. 'Thank you,' said he, smiling, 'you are on the
same errand as myself.'
'Exactly so,' said Lily; 'it will do capitally; how pretty Long Acre
looks, and what a beautiful view of the church!'
'This room used once to be pretty,' said William, looking round,
disappointed; 'it is very forlorn.'
'Ah! but it will look very different when the chairs do not stand
with their backs to the wall. I do not think Alethea knows of this
room, for nobody has sat in it for years, and we will make it a
surprise.
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