To you I owe the lives of both my
children; how can I thank you as I ought?"
"I dare not tell you yet," he whispered eagerly, then added, "I am
growing faint, Aunt. Get me away before I make a scene."
This hint recalled my lady to her usual state of dignified
self-possession. Bidding Jasper and the major help Treherne to his room
without delay, she begged Rose to comfort her sister, who was sobbing
hysterically, and as they all obeyed her, she led her daughter away to
her own apartment, for the festivities of the evening were at an end.
At the same time Mrs. Snowdon and Annon bade my lady good-night, as if
they also were about to retire, but as they reached the door of the
gallery Mrs. Snowdon paused and beckoned Annon back. They were alone
now, and, standing before the fire which had so nearly made that
Christmas Eve a tragical one, she turned to him with a face full of
interest and sympathy as she said, nodding toward the blackened shreds
of Octavia's dress, and the scorched tiger skin which still lay at their
feet, "That was both a fortunate and an unfortunate little affair, but I
fear Maurice's gain will be your loss. Pardon my frankness for Octavia's
sake; she is a fine creature, and I long to see her given to one worthy
of her.
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