Was it his long pain, which he had borne so patiently, that would soon be over?
or was it that cruel parting to which he alluded?
or did he strive to comfort me at the last with the assurance--alas! for our mortal nature, so sadly true--that pain cannot last for ever, that even faithful sorrow is short-lived and comforts itself in time, that I was young enough to outlive more than one trouble, and that I might take courage from this thought?
I looked down at the black dress, such as I had worn nearly two years for him, and raged as I remembered Sara's flippant words.

'My darling, I would wear mourning for you all my life gladly,' I said, with an inward sob that was more anger than sorrow, 'if I thought you would care for me to do it.

Oh, what a world this is, Charlie! surely vanity and vexation of spirit!' I did not mean to be cross with Sara, but my thoughts had taken a gloomy turn, and I could not recover my spirits: indeed, as we drove down Bond Street, where Sara had some glittering little toy to purchase, I reiterated my intention of not calling at Hyde Park Mansions.
'I do not want any tea,' I said wearily, 'and I would rather go home.
Give my love to Lesbia; I will see her another day.' 'Lesbia will be hurt,' remonstrated Sara.

'What a little misanthrope you are, Ursula! St.Thomas's has injured you socially; you have become a hermit-crab all at once, and it is such nonsense at your age.' 'Oh, let me be, Sara!' I pleaded; 'I am tired, and Lesbia always chatters so; and Mrs.Fullerton is worse.

Besides, did you not tell me she was coming to dine with us this evening ?' 'Yes, to be sure; but she wanted us to meet the Percy Glyns.