Thus the hours that Maurice and his father spent together at the Cottage were, to the whole party, hours of a certain calm and peace, pleasant to recollect after the calm had been broken.
The next day Lucia spent almost entirely at Mrs.Bellairs'.

Bella drove her home in the evening, and when she came in she found Maurice alone on the verandah.

It was quite dusk, very nearly dark--a soft, still, dewy evening, and she could but just distinguish his figure as he moved, to meet her.
"Is it you, Maurice ?" she said.

"Is mamma there ?" "Yes, and no," he answered; "Mrs.Costello is just gone in." "How is Mr.Leigh?
I have not seen him to-day." "No; I have been at home most of the day." "Is he worse then ?" she said, alarmed.
"He is not quite so well, but nothing serious.

Are you tired ?" "No, not at all.