Janet's Love and Service Part 43

"Yes, he seems better, and, contrary to all expectation, seems likely to live for some time yet. But his mind is much affected. At least it seems so to me."

"Poor Lilias!" said Graeme, "Is she still alone?"

"Oh, no. There is a houseful of them. Her aunt Mrs Roxbury is there, and I don't know how many besides. I declare, I think those women enjoy it."

Graeme looked shocked.

"Charlie means the preparations for the wedding," said Rose. "It is to take place soon, is it not?"

"Within the month, I believe," said Charlie, gravely.

"So soon!" said Graeme; and in a little she added, "Is it not sudden?"

"No--yes, I suppose so. They have been engaged, or something like it for some time; but the haste is because of Mr Elphinstone. He thinks he cannot die happy till he sees his daughter safe under the care of her husband. Just as if Allan would not be her friend all the same. It seems to me like madness."

"And Lilias," said Rose, almost in a whisper, "is she content?"

"On the whole, I suppose so. But this haste and her father being so ill, and all these horrid preparations are too much for her. She looks ill, and anything but cheerful."

"We have not seen your brother for a long time," said Will.

"I have scarcely seen him, either. He did not find matters much to his mind in C, I fear. Harry will have to keep his eyes open among those people."

"How soon will Harry have to go?" asked Rose.

"The sooner the better, I suppose," said Charlie, rising and walking about. "Oh! dear me. This is a miserable overturning that has come upon us--and everything seemed to be going on so smoothly."

"Harry will not have to go before Arthur comes back, I hope," said Rose.

"I don't know, indeed. When does he come?"

"Charlie, man," said Harry, rising suddenly, "did I not hear you promising Crofts to meet him to-night? It is eight o'clock."

"No. I don't care if I never see Crofts, or any of his set again. You had much better stay where you are Harry."

"Charlie, don't be misanthropical. I promised if you didn't. Come along. No? Well, good-night to you all. Will, it is time you were in bed, your eyes are like saucers. Don't sit up for me, Graeme."

Graeme had no heart to remonstrate. She felt it would do no good, and he went away leaving a very silent party behind him. Charlie lingered.

When Graeme came down-stairs after seeing Will in his room she found him still sitting opposite Rose, silent and grave. He roused himself as she entered. Graeme would gladly have excused him, but she took a seat and her work, and prepared to be entertained. It was not an easy matter, though Charlie had the best will in the world to be entertaining, and Graeme tried to respond. She did not think of it at the time, but afterwards, when Charlie was gone, she remembered the sad wistful look with which the lad had regarded her. Rose too, hung about her, saying nothing, but with eyes full of something to which Graeme would not respond. One angry throb, stirred her heart, but her next thoughts were not in anger.

"These foolish young people have been dreaming dreams about Allan and me,--and I must undeceive them--or deceive them--"

"Graeme," said Rose, softly, "if either of us wait for Harry it must be me, for you are very tired."

"Yes, I am very tired."

"Charlie said, perhaps he would take Harry home with him. Should we wait?" said Rose.

"No. He may not come. We will not wait. I shall sleep near Will. He cannot spare me yet. Now go, love."

She kissed the troubled face upturned to her, but would suffer no lingering over the good-night. She was in no haste to go herself, however. She did not mean to wait for Harry, but when two hours had pa.s.sed, she was still sitting where Rose had left her, and then Harry came.

But oh! the misery of that home-coming. Graeme must have fallen asleep, she thought, for she heard nothing till the door opened, and then she heard Harry's voice, thick and interrupted, thanking someone, and then stupidly insisting on refusing all further help.

"Never mind, gentlemen--I can manage--thank you."

There were two persons with him, Charlie Millar was one of them.

"Hush, Harry. Be quiet, man. Are you mad? You will waken your sister."

The light which someone held behind them, flushed for a moment on Graeme's pale face.

"Oh! Miss Elliott," said Charles, "I tried to keep him with me. He is mad, I think. Be quiet, Harry."

Harry quite incapable of walking straight, struggled to free himself and staggered toward his sister.

"I knew you would sit up, Graeme--though I told you not--and so I came home."

"Of course, you did right to come home. But hush, Harry! you will waken Will."

"Oh! yes! Poor Will!" he mumbled. "But Graeme, what ails you, that you look at me with a face like that?"

"Miss Elliott," entreated Charlie, "leave him to us, you can do nothing with him to-night."

She went up-stairs before them carrying the light, and held firmly the handle of Will's door till they pa.s.sed. She stood there in the darkness till they came out again and went down-stairs. Poor Harry lay muttering and mumbling, entreating Graeme to come and see him before she went to bed. When she heard the door close she went down again, not into the parlour where a light still burned, but into the darkness of the room beyond.

"Oh Harry! Harry! Harry!" she cried, as she sank on her knees and covered her face.

It was a dark hour. Her hope, her faith, her trust in G.o.d--all that had been her strength and song, from day to day was forgotten. The bitter waters of fear and grief pa.s.sed over her, and she was well nigh overwhelmed.

"Oh papa! mamma! Oh Harry! Oh! my little brothers."

"Miss Elliott," said a voice that made her heart stand still, "Graeme, you must let me help you now."

She rose and turned toward him.

"Mr Ruthven! I was not aware--" said she, moving toward the door through which light came from the parlour.

"Miss Elliott, forgive me. I did not mean to intrude. I met your brother and mine by chance, and I came with them. You must not think that I--"

"Thank you, you are very kind."

Graeme was trembling greatly and sat down, but rose again immediately.

"You are very kind," repeated she, scarcely knowing what she said.

"Graeme," said Mr Ruthven, "you must let me help you in this matter.

Tell me what you wish. Must Harry stay or go?"