My
recollection of what had passed in Uncle Silas's room was utterly confused,
and it seemed to me as if my poor father had been there and taken a
share--I could not remember how--in the conference.
I was too exhausted and stupid to clear up this horrible muddle, and merely
lay with my face toward the wall, motionless and silent, except for a great
sigh every now and then.
Good Mary Quince was in the room--there was some comfort in that; but I
felt quite worn out, and had rather she did not speak to me; and indeed for
the time I felt absolutely indifferent as to whether I lived or died.
Cousin Monica this morning, at pleasant Elverston, all-unconscious of my
sad plight, proposed to Lady Mary Carysbroke and Lord Ilbury, her
guests, to drive over to church at Feltram, and then pay us a visit at
Bartram-Haugh, to which they readily agreed.
Accordingly, at about two o'clock, this pleasant party of three arrived at
Bartram. They walked, having left the carriage to follow when the horses
were fed; and Madame de la Rougierre, who was in my uncle's room when
little Giblets arrived to say that the party were in the parlour, whispered
for a little with my uncle, who then said--
'Miss Maud Ruthyn has gone out to drive, but I shall be happy to see Lady
Knollys here, if she will do me the favour to come upstairs and see me for
a few moments; and you can mention that I am very far from well.
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