Change of scene and
change of occupation may really be the salvation of him at this
crisis in his life.
Greatly to my relief, Sir Percival sent an apology for not joining
us at breakfast. He had taken an early cup of coffee in his own
room, and he was still engaged there in writing letters. At
eleven o'clock, if that hour was convenient, he would do himself
the honour of waiting on Miss Fairlie and Miss Halcombe.
My eyes were on Laura's face while the message was being
delivered. I had found her unaccountably quiet and composed on
going into her room in the morning, and so she remained all
through breakfast. Even when we were sitting together on the sofa
in her room, waiting for Sir Percival, she still preserved her
self-control.
"Don't be afraid of me, Marian," was all she said; "I may forget
myself with an old friend like Mr. Gilmore, or with a dear sister
like you, but I will not forget myself with Sir Percival Glyde."
I looked at her, and listened to her in silent surprise. Through
all the years of our close intimacy this passive force in her
character had been hidden from me--hidden even from herself, till
love found it, and suffering called it forth.
As the clock on the mantelpiece struck eleven Sir Percival knocked
at the door and came in.
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