’Love him? he was everything to me: he
was my twin, you know,—and so beautiful.
Oh, I never saw a man’s face so beautiful as
his; he had such bright ways, too, and such a ringing
laugh,—I wake up sometimes and fancy I
hear it; and then came his whistle and light footstep
springing up the stairs; but it is only a part of
my dream.’ She sighed, and went on:
’He was so fond of me, and used to tell me everything,
and he was never cross to me, however put out and
miserable he was; and I know they made him very miserable.
Giles was so strict with him, and would not give him
any liberty, and when Eric rebelled he was cruel to
him.’
‘Oh, not cruel, surely!’ I could not help
the involuntary exclamation. I thought Gladys
looked at me a little strangely before she answered:
’It seemed cruel to us; he was very harsh,—oh,
terribly harsh; but I think—nay, I am sure—he
has repented of his hardness. I was slow to forgive
him: perhaps it would be more true to say I have
not wholly forgiven him yet; but I know now that he
has suffered, that he would undo a great deal of the
past if he could, and this makes me more merciful.
Sometimes in my heart I feel quite sorry for Giles.’
THE MYSTERY AT GLADWYN
Just then Leah entered the room to replenish the fire,
and Gladys dropped my hand hastily and took up a screen.
‘When my brother comes in we will have tea,
Leah,’ she said quickly. ‘Where is
Thornton, that he does not come in to do this?’
’I was passing through the hall, and I thought
I would have a look at the fire, ma’am,’
observed Leah, as she stooped to throw on a log.
As she did so, I saw her take a furtive look at us
both,—it gave me an unpleasant feeling,—and
a moment afterwards she said in a soft, civil voice,—
’There is no reason why Thornton should not
bring tea now, if you like, ma’am. Master
never cares to be waited for, and most likely he will
be late this afternoon. I can walk home with
Miss Garston when she is ready. I am sure my
mistress would spare me.’
’We will see about that presently, Leah; when
I want Thornton I will ring for him.’ Gladys
spoke somewhat haughtily, and Leah left the room without
another word; but I was sorry and troubled in my very
heart to see Gladys motion me to be silent, and then
go quickly to the door and open it and stand there
for a moment. Her colour was a little heightened
when she came back to her seat.
’She has gone now, but we must be careful and
not speak loudly. I hate myself for being so
suspicious, but I have found out that some of our
conversations have been retailed to Etta. I am
afraid Leah listens at the door. She came in
just now to interrupt our talk: it is Thornton’s
place to put coals on the drawing-room fire.’
I felt an uncomfortable sensation creeping over me.
‘Do you think she even heard us just now?’
