'She looked on many a face with vacant eye,
On many a token without knowing what;
She saw them watch her, without asking why,
And recked not who around her pillow sat.'
But Lesbia Haselden belonged to a wider and more sophisticated world
than that of the daughter of the Grecian Isle, and for her existence
offered wider horizons. It might be prophesied that for her the dark
ending of a girlish dream would not be a life-long despair. The
passionate love had been at fever point; the passionate grief must have
its fever too, and burn itself out.
'Do all you can to cheer her,' said Lord Hartfield to Maulevrier, 'and
bring her to Fellside as soon as ever she is strong enough to bear the
journey. You and Kibble, with your own man, will be able to do all that
is necessary.'
'Quite able.'
'That's right. I must be in the House for the expected division
to-night, and I shall go back to Grasmere to-morrow morning. Poor Mary
is horribly lonely.'
Lord Hartfield went off in the boat to catch the Southampton steamer;
and Maulevrier was now sole custodian of the yacht and of his sister.
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