"I don't care for it," he wearily answered.
"I am sure you are tired," said Lucy. "When did you dine?"
"I have not dined. I have taken nothing since I left home this
morning."
"Oh!" She was hastening to the bell. Lionel stopped her, laying his hand
upon her arm.
"I could not eat it, Lucy. Just one cup of tea, if you will."
She, returned to the table, poured out the cup of tea, and he drank it
standing.
"Shall I take Mrs. Verner up a cup?" asked Lucy. "Will she drink it, do
you think?"
"Thank you, Lucy. It may do her head good. I think it aches much
to-night."
He turned, and departed. Lucy noticed that he had left the parchment
behind him, and ran after him with it, catching him as he was about to
close the hall door. She knew that all such business-looking papers went
up to Verner's Pride.
"Did you mean to leave it? Or have you forgotten it?"
He had forgotten it. He took it from her, retaining her hand for a
moment. "Lucy, _you_ will not misjudge me?" he said, in a strange tone
of pain.
Lucy looked up at him with a bright smile and a very emphatic shake of
the head.
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