She shook hands
with Eustace, and he alone was aware of the tremor that ran through her
whole being as she did so.
"Isabel is asleep," she said. "She often gets a sleep in the afternoon,
and she is always the stronger for it when she wakes. Will you have some
tea before you go to her?"
They had tea in the sunny verandah overlooking the sea. Sir Eustace was
very quiet and grave, and it was Scott who gently conversed with the
girl, smoothing away all difficulties. She was plainly determined to
conquer her nervousness, and she succeeded to a great extent before the
ordeal was over. But there was obvious relief in her eyes when Sir
Eustace set down his cup and rose to go.
"I think I will go to her now," he said. "I shall not wake her."
He went, and a great stillness fell behind him. Scott dropped into
silence, and they sat together, he smoking, she leaning back in her chair
idle, with wistful eyes upon the silvery sea.
Up in Isabel's room overhead there was neither sound nor movement, but
presently there fell a soft footfall upon the stairs and the nurse came
quietly through and spoke to Dinah.
"Mrs. Everard is still asleep. Her brother is watching her and Biddy is
within call. I thought I would take a little walk on the shore, as I
shall not be wanted just at present."
"Oh, of course," Dinah said. "Don't hurry back!"
The nurse smiled and flitted away into the golden evening sunlight.
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