'
Up I stood, and so soon as I had begun to hear and see aright, it struck me
that Cousin Monica was more grave and subdued than I had seen her.
'Come, let us light our candles and go together.'
Holding hands, we ascended, I sleepy, she silent; and not a word was spoken
until we reached my room. Mary Quince was in waiting, and tea made.
'Tell her to come back in a few minutes; I wish to say a word to you,' said
Lady Knollys.
The maid accordingly withdrew.
Lady Knollys' eyes followed her till she closed the door behind her.
'I'm going in the morning.'
'So soon!'
'Yes, dear; I could not stay; in fact, I should have gone tonight, but it
was too late, and I leave instead in the morning.'
'I am so sorry--so _very_ sorry,' I exclaimed, in honest disappointment,
and the walls seemed to darken round me, and the monotony of the old
routine loomed more terrible in prospect.
'So am I, dear Maud.'
'But can't you stay a little longer; _won't_ you?'
'No, Maud; I'm vexed with Austin--very much vexed with your father; in
short, I can't conceive anything so entirely preposterous, and dangerous,
and insane as his conduct, now that his eyes are quite opened, and I must
say a word to you before I go, and it is just this:--you must cease to be a
mere child, you must try and be a woman, Maud: now don't be frightened
or foolish, but hear me out.
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