The Last of the Mortimers

door opened in the dark distance, and Ellis came rumbling along through the dim depths behind the screen with the sherry and biscuits. Just at the same mom

were a little rheumatic sometimes, though she did not like

that I might be sure of hearing what she said. Sarah took no notice of my movements; she rubbed diligent

g about this cousin Richar

er; when that was finished she answered, “I knew a good deal about him

hat to say. At last I stumbled out somehow{10}—“You would have married him

e was young, and fresh-looking, and good-tempered. I dare say

in my eagerness, thinking that perhaps

ed to echo the “no” after, in the little nod

on’t mind, was it because of his mean

st. He was exactly such a man as would have taken your fancy. When I saw him, five years after, I was glad enou

I am sure she did not think I heard them. You may s

years after; was it abroad?” said I

noticing that I paused before the last word; and then seeing me look a little frigh

my affairs and find me out by your questions? You are very much mistaken, I can tell you. I am just as willing as

Sarah!” said I, “i

hy do you imply that I have any objection? One would suppose, to

said I, sharply. I knew quite well I was aggra

ut her basket aside, a thing she never did; and I think I can see her now, as I saw her in the big mirror, drawing the fingers of one hand through the other, and gliding along through the dark room, all reflected from head to foot in the great glass, with her peach-blossom ribbons nodding tremulously over her grey hair, and her white muslin shawl dra

and Naples, and what place the beautiful Miss Mortimer took there. They came home at last quite suddenly, in the depth of winter. Naturally Sarah had caught a very bad cold. She kept her own room for a very long time after and never saw anybody. Then she lost her voice. I remember I took it quite for granted at the time that it was her cold and the loss of her voice that made her shut herself{12} up; but I must say that once or twice since I have had a little doubt on that subject. She was then not much past five-and-thirty, a very handsome woman. My father lived many years after, but they never, though they had been great companions for so long before, seemed to be at ease in each other’s presence. They never even sat down to dinner together when they could help it. Since then, to be sure, Sarah had begun to live more with me; but what a life it was! I had the concerns of the property to occupy me, and things to manage; besides, I was always out and about in the village and among the neighbours; and still more, I was quite a different woman from Sarah, more homely-like, and had never been out in the world. I wouldn’t for anything be