A note from Mr.Strafford had reached them, accounting for his delay, and saying that he would arrive that evening, the very evening of Mr.Percy's departure, and she wished to go with her new self into more familiar company before facing one who, though so closely connected with the secret of her life, was almost a stranger to her.
She took with her a new book, and contrived as soon as possible to read instead of talking.

It required less effort, and while she read, her mind could go back to the thoughts which were still in the stir and commotion of their recent disturbance.

But all her efforts could not bring back to her face and voice the natural joyousness which had died out of them.

A stranger would have seen no signs of emotion or trouble in her look and manner, but this was the utmost she could accomplish.

To familiar, and above all, to loving eyes, the change was as evident as it was sorrowful; and Mr.Leigh speculated much on the subject.