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'It would be a
cruelty to keep you indoors.'
'No, indeed, dear grandmother, I should like to stay. May I stop and
read to you?'
'No, thank you, Mary. I hate being read to. I like to devour a book.
Reading aloud is such slow work.
'But I am afraid you must sometimes feel lonely,' faltered Mary.
'Lonely,' echoed the dowager, with a sigh. 'I have been lonely for the
last forty years--I have been lonely all my life. Those I loved never
gave me back love for love--never--not even your sister. See how lightly
she cuts the link that bound her to me. How happy she is among
strangers! Yes, there was one who loved me truly, and fate parted us.
Does fate part all true lovers, I wonder?'
'You parted Lesbia and Mr. Hammond,' said Mary, impetuously. 'I am sure
they loved each other truly.'
'The old and the worldly-wise are Fate, Mary,' answered the dowager, not
angry at this daring reproach. 'I know your sister; and I know she is
not the kind of woman to be happy in an ignoble life--to bear poverty
and deprivation. If it had been you, now, whom Mr.


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