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This statement was made in such a calm, reasonable tone that Maria
"I wish you well, Miss Ransom. You have been kind to Henry. But you ca
Well, Maria
The last candidate for the tutor's post never came. Maria
Seated before her dressing table, the Duchess greeted her warmly. Flaring candles on either side of the tall mirror illuminated her face. Maria
"I have sent Rose away, she was of no use whatever," the Duchess said. "It is your company I want, in any case. Will you stay with me and help me dress? I want to look my best."
Maria
The gown was one she had never seen the Duchess wear. But it was not new; the style was years out of date and the white fabric had begun to yellow. There were even a few faint cracks along the stiff folds. The bodice was trimmed with the softest, most exquisite of handmade lace, like a drift of snowflakes. There was no other ornament. On the table beside the bed stood a vase of waxy white gardenias, the prized products of MacDonald's conservatory. A draft rattled the windows and carried the flowers' sweet, overpowering scent to Maria
For an instant she thought she was going to be sick. Then – from what cause she never really knew – the last of the many changes of mood she had undergone took place; it was to stay with her until the end. It was plainly and simply pity.
"How perfectly beautiful," she said in a steady voice. "I must do my best to do justice to that gown."
She brushed the Duchess's hair till her arms ached and shaped it into a masterpiece of soft waves and curls, crowning it with the waxy flowers. She took her time; there was no hurry. At the Duchess's suggestion she brought her dress from her own room and they primped and laughed and admired one another like two young girls preparing for a ball. When all else was ready she slipped the white satin gown over the old lady's head and fastened the long row of tiny buttons. Then she stood back and clasped her hands.
"You are lovely," she said.
"One more thing." Around her neck the Duchess hung the gold locket that contained David Holmes's picture.
Then they went down together.
Maria
She was unable to eat. The time had come upon her so quickly that she felt cheated; she wanted more time to think, to plan. But perhaps it was just as well. How could one plan for the unimaginable?
When the port was brought in, the Duchess rose. "Tonight we will go out together," she said in a calm, clear voice. "Horace, give me your arm, please."
Speechless, the doctor complied. The two went out, arm in arm.
Maria
"Do nothing." His eyes held hers. "Say nothing, do nothing. Whatever impulse may strike you, whatever force may compel you – resist it. Do you understand?"
"Yes, but -"
"Always 'but.' " He smiled at her. He seemed in the grip of some strange excitement, but his smile was free of malice, the smile of a friend.
"Roger," Lady A
"I would like you to. Do you mind? You never have before."
"But this is different. At least let me bring Horace."
"Now, Lady A
"Thank you, thank you." Lady A
Carlton offered Maria
"You have some scheme in mind," she said, as they walked along together. "Tell me what it is. I am half insane with worry."
"You have some distance to go before you break," was the seemingly callous reply; but Maria
She had no opportunity to reply. They were at the door.
The room felt cold, despite a blazing fire and the illusory warmth of lamps and candles. The doctor pushed aside one of the draperies and looked out.
"It is a wild night," he said gravely. "God help any poor soul abroad in this winter darkness. Honoria, in the presence of your friends, I make one last plea. Do not do this."
"I will and I shall," was the calm reply. "Horace, dim the lights."
Lady A
No one suggested forming a circle or holding hands or any of the other controls usual to such meetings. As the light gradually dimmed, Maria
The doctor put out the last light and shifted the heavy screen before the fire. Maria
In the silence she heard the wind crying like a lost child. Remembering Carlton's warning, she clenched her hands and determined to follow his advice.
The doctor's voice suddenly exclaimed, "Nothing is going to happen. Honoria, I beg -"
A long, drawn-out sigh broke into this speech. It was followed by a loud intake of breath that went on and on until Maria