Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/100

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
98
ETHEL CHURCHILL.


"It was foolish of me," thought she, " I had no right to mark resentment."

With the view of doing this away, she began to make inquiries after Mr. Courtenaye.

"I see that you are too good a wife to be tempted into gaiety during your husband's absence; but when he returns, I must persuade you to come and dine with us."

Constance rose from her seat; and, after two or three hurried turns up and down the room, came and sat down by Lady Marchmont, who noted her obvious agitation with both surprise and sympathy.

"You must forgive me," exclaimed she, in a hurried and distressed manner, unable longer to suppress the tears that fell in large slow drops, still half kept back; "but I cannot look upon you and not feel my own wretchedness. I do not wonder that Norbourne loved you!"

"Loved me!" exclaimed Henrietta, too much astonished to say more.

"I know not," continued Constance, passionately, "what parted you, but you cannot