She had never lacked character,
and this now showed itself in one immutable resolution. Having found
that the child had learnt nothing of its parents, she determined
that this ignorance should continue; or rather that it should be
exchanged for the belief that those parents were both long dead. She
dwelt apart, supported by her sister. Finally, after ten years'
absence, Paul Enderby returned to England, and lived again with his
wife. But Maud, their daughter, still believed herself alone in the
world, save for her aunt, Miss Bygrave.
At the time when Waymark and Ida were together at Hastings, Mrs.
Enderby called one evening at Miss Bygrave's house--the house of
Maud's childhood, still distinguished by the same coldness, bareness
and gloom, the same silence echoing to a strange footfall. Theresa
Bygrave had not greatly altered; tall, upright, clad in the plainest
black garment, she walked into the room with silent dignity, and
listened to a suggestion made by her brother-in-law.
"We have talked it over again," said Paul, "and we have decided to
take this step."
He paused and watched the listener's face eagerly, glancing quickly
away as soon as she looked up.
"And you still wish me to break it to Maud, and in the way you
said?"
"If you will.
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