I would not spoil her pleasure for the world.' 'Dear grandmother, how unselfish you are! And Maulevrier, shall he be sent for?
He is not so far away,' said Mary, hoping her grandmother would say yes.
What a relief, what an unspeakable solace Maulevrier's presence would be in that dreary house, smitten to a sudden and awful stillness, as if by the Angel of Death! 'No, I do not want Maulevrier!' answered her ladyship impatiently.
'May I sit here and read to you, grandmother ?' Mary asked, timidly.

'Mr.
Horton said you were to be kept very quiet, and that we were not to let you talk, or talk much to you, but that we might read to you if you like.' 'I do not wish to be read to.

I have my thoughts for company,' said Lady Maulevrier.
Mary felt that this implied a wish to be alone.

She bent over the invalid's pillow and kissed the pale cheek, feeling as if she were taking a liberty in venturing so much.

She would hardly have done it had Lesbia been at home; but she had a feeling that in Lesbia's absence Lady Maulevrier must want somebody's love--even hers.