’I saw, I think, the form of a man in a cloak
and hat, as I believe, talking with you in whispers,
Gertrude, from without.’
’The form of a man, Lily—you’re
right—not a man, but the form of a man,’
she continued, bitterly; ’for it seems to me
sometimes it can be no human fascination that has
brought me under the tyranny in which I can scarce
be said to breathe.’
After an interval she said—
’It will seem incredible. You’ve
heard of Mr. Dangerfield’s proposal, and you’ve
heard how I’ve received it. Well, listen.’
‘Gertrude, dear!’ said Lily, who was growing
frightened.
‘I’m going,’ interrupted Miss Chattesworth,
’to tell you my strange, if you will, but not
guilty—no, not guilty—secret.
I’m no agent now, but simply passive in the
matter. But you must first pledge me your sacred
word that neither to my father nor to yours, nor to
my aunt, nor to any living being, will you ever reveal
what I am about to tell you, till I have released
you from your promise.’
Did ever woman refuse a secret? Well, Lily wavered
for a moment. But then suddenly stooping down,
and kissing her, she said:
’No, Gertrude, darling—you’ll
not be vexed with me—but you must not tell
me your secret. You have excuses such as I should
not have—you’ve been drawn into this
concealment, step by step, unwillingly; but, Gertrude,
darling, I must not hear it. I could not look
Aunt Becky in the face, nor the kind general, knowing
that I was——’
She tried to find a word.
‘Deceiving them, Lily,’ said Gertrude,
with a moan.
‘Yes, Gertrude, darling.’ And she
kissed her again. ’And it might be to your
great hurt. But I thank you all the same from
my heart for your confidence and love; and I’m
gladder than you’ll ever know, Gerty, that they
are still the same.’ And thus the two girls
kissed silently and fervently, and poor Gertrude Chattesworth
wept uncomplainingly, looking out upon the dark prospect.
‘And you’ll tell me, darling, when you’re
happier, as you soon will be?’ said Lily.
’I will—I will indeed. I’m
sometimes happier—sometimes quite happy—but
I’m very low to-night, Lily,’ answered
she.
Then Lily comforted and caressed her friend.
And I must confess she was very curious, too, and
nothing but a terror of possessing a secret under
such terms, withheld her from hearing Gertrude’s
confession. But on her way home she thanked Heaven
for her resolution, and was quite sure that she was
happier and better for it.
They were roused by Aunt Becky’s knock at the
hall-door, and her voice and Dominick’s under
the window.
SHOWING HOW SOME OF THE FEUDS IN CHAPELIZOD WAXED
FIERCER, AND OTHERS WERE SOLEMNLY CONDONED.
