Meltonbury, Peter Tedril, Hatherton, etc., on the other; Madame well
knows how to mix up the brandy cocktail and poker of midnight, with
sober 9 o'clock whist and old port, but the scales are weightier on
one side. But behold the naturalist, waiting at the door with prayer
book in hand, ready for her devotions."
CHAPTER XXXIII.
WARM WORDS BRIDGE CRUEL DISTANCE.
Lady Esmondet, Vaura, and Robert Douglas ate their Christmas dinner
quietly together. "I shall feel lonely when you leave Rome," said the
priest, as he bade them a warm goodnight.
"Naturally, you will miss us; we are almost a part of your old home,"
said Lady Esmondet.
"I have no doubt, Roberto, that the Marchmonts will be very kind to
you when we are gone," said Vaura, smilingly.
"Yes, she will be good to a lonely priest," he answered absently; then
recovering himself, "but I should not say lonely; have I not the
Church."
As a footman fastened the hall-door after the Rev. Robert, Vaura said:
"The Church will soon not be sufficient to fill up his life; at least
the naturalist will make him feel so.
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