"Of course, you must not come if you are.

They will be awfully disappointed.
But never mind.

I will tell Ethelrida." "It is nothing--my fatigue, I mean.

If you think your cousin will mind, I will come." And she turned, without waiting for him to answer, and went on to her room.
And Tristram, after going back to his for something he had forgotten, presently went on down the stairs, a bitter smile on his face, and at the bottom met--Laura Highford.
She looked up into his eyes, and allowed tears to gather in hers.

She had always plenty at her command.
"Tristram," she said with extreme gentleness, "you were cross with me yesterday afternoon, because you thought I was saying something about your wife.