Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
We can govern New Lindsey without you, Dick, for a time, anyhow." This suggestion fell as a new light on Dick Derosne. He waited a moment before answering it with a long-drawn "O-oh!" "Yes," said the Governor, nodding emphatically. "You might just as well run home and give a look to things: most likely they're going to the deuce." "But what am I to say to people?"
Daisy Medland was radiant as she turned from Norburn's pale thoughtful face and careless garb to Dick Derosne, the outward perfection of a well-born, well-made, well-dressed Englishman, bowing, smiling, and debonair.
But why compare the men? He would have to accept both, for Medland must offer Coxon a place, and beyond doubt the offer would be accepted. The Governor was alarmed for the fate of New Lindsey under such ruling, and awaited with apprehension his next interview with his wife. Dick Derosne had fulfilled his mission, and his tidings had spread dismay on the lawn.
In his mind he rehearsed his interview with Alicia Derosne, wondering, as men wonder after they have been carried away by emotion into unrestrained disclosures of their hearts, whether she had really been impressed; whether, after all, he had not been, or seemed, insincere, theatrical, or absurd; wondering again in what light she would look on him, when she knew what it looked likely all Kirton would know soon; wondering last whether, if he had not met the woman who had been his partner in life for so long, and had, in youth, met such a girl as Alicia Derosne, his fate would have been different, and he need not now have trembled at his story being told.
For the moment he had forgotten everything but the fight he was fighting. No thought of the wretched Benham, who lay dead, no thought of his daughter, who watched him as he spoke, no thought of Alicia Derosne, who stayed away that she might not see him, crossed his brain now, or turned his ideas from the task before him. It was no ordinary speech, and no ordinary occasion.
Lady Eynesford declined to recognise the occasion, and Eleanor had to content herself with stealthy glances to right and left till the church doors engulfed her. The only absentee was Alicia Derosne, and she was not walking about the streets, but sitting under the verandah, with a book unopened on her knees, and her eyes set in empty fixedness on the horizon.
"Oh, just so," said the Governor; "but that makes it awkward. Besides, somebody told me he used to get drunk." "I think you may disregard that," said Sir Robert. "It only means that he likes his glass of wine as most of us do." Sir Robert retired, and presently Dick Derosne, who acted as his brother's private secretary, came in. The Governor was in an easy-chair, smoking a cigar.
"Well, Miss Derosne, I'm afraid fifteen months are likely enough to see an end of most of the dreams I talked about to you." "No, no," she exclaimed eagerly. Then checking herself she added, "But what right have I to talk to you about it?" "I talked to you." "Oh, I happened to be there." "Yes, and so I happened to talk. That's the way when people get on together." Alicia looked up with a smile.
"Of course he has, Alicia," interposed Lady Eynesford hastily. Alicia seated herself on the sofa, remarking as she did so, "Well, you do change a good deal, don't you?" "Really, Miss Derosne," he stammered, "I don't understand you." "Oh, I only mean that you were first with Sir Robert, then with Mr. Medland, and now with Sir Robert again! And presently with Mr. Medland again, I suppose?"
"Ah, perhaps you don't see everything, Mr. Derosne." "I say, you don't mean that Mr. ?" "Good-bye," said Daisy, whipping up her pony. Dick was left wondering what she had meant, and whether anything so preposterous and revolting as the idea of Norburn having any business to control her doings or her likings could possibly have any truth in it.
Word Of The Day