ome
books and the evening papers scattered about. He lit one of the
pastils, put the fire-screen in its place, and had a last look round.
Then he got into a hansom and drove up to the house in the Edgware Road.
He was immediately admitted and shown up-stairs. Natalie's mother rose
to receive him; he fancied she had been crying.
"I am come to take you to your new rooms," he said, cheerfully. "They
are better than these."
"Ah, that is kind of you," she said, also speaking in French; "but in
truth what do I care where I am? My heart is full of joy. It is enough
for me to sit quiet and say to myself, 'My child loves me. She has not
turned away from me. She is more beautiful even than I had believed; and
she has a good heart. I have no longer any fear.'"
"Yes, madame," said he, "but you must not sit quiet and think like that,
or you will become ill, and then how are you to go out walking with
Natalie? You have many things to do, and many things to decide on. For
example, you will have to explain to her how it is you may not go to her
father's house. At this moment what other thing than that do you imagine
she is thinking about? She will ask you."
"I would rather not tell her," said the mother, absently; "it is better
she should not know."
He hesitated for a second or two.
"Then it is impossible that a reconciliation between your husband and
yourself--"
"Oh no, no!" she said, somewhat sadly; "that is impossible, now."
"And you are anxious he should not know that you and your daughter see
each other."
"I am not so anxious," she said. "I have faith in Natalushka: I can
perceive her courage. But perhaps it would be better."
"Very well. Then come to these other rooms I have got for you; they are
in a more secluded neighborhood."
"Very well, monsieur. I have but few things with me. I will be ready
soon."
In less than half an hour after that the French landlady was receiving
her new guest; and so eager was she to show to the English gentleman her
gratitude for his substantial presents, that her officious kindness was
almost burdensome.
"I thank you," said the new-comer, with a smile, as the landlady brought
her a cushion for her back the moment she sat down in the easy chair,
"but I am not yet an invalid."
Then would madame have some tea? Or perhaps madame had not dined? There
was little in the house; but something could be prepared at once; from
to-morrow morning madame's instructions would be fu
|