"Mrs. Lee tells me," he said, "that your little brother is
quite ill, and that he needs country air and exercise. He can have them
both at The Oaks; so if you'll get him ready, the carriage will come for
you at whatever time you appoint. Mrs. Lee can find you plenty of work
as long as you care to stay." He looked as if he wanted to say something
more, but didn't; and I was just as sure as sure could be that it was
something about Miss Francesca, probably about her having me out there
so much; for his face looked so sad, and his lips trembled so, I knew
that must be in his mind. And when I thought of it, and of such an awful
fate as it was for her, so young, and handsome, and happy, like the
great baby I am, I just threw my apron over my head, and burst out
crying.
"Don't!" he said,--"don't!" in O, such a voice! It was like a knife
going through me; and he went quick out of the room, and downstairs,
without even saying good by.
Well, we came out the next day,--and I have plenty to do, and Frankie is
getting real bright and strong. I can see Mr. Ercildoune likes to have
us here, because of the connection with Miss Francesca. She was so
interested in us, and so kind to us, and he knows I loved her so very
dearly,--and if it's any comfort to him I'm sure I'm glad to be here,
without taking Frankie into the account,--for the poor gentleman looks
so bowed and heart-broken that it makes one's heart ache just to see
him.
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