Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-29
XXXV.

XXXV.
The remaining hours of that night passed
like a dream for Clodagh. Condemn herself
as she might for the weakness, there was
no subduing the tumutuous excitement
kindled by the thought that she was to see
Gore again.
1t was not to be denied that time, inter-
vening incidents and a sub-conscious per-
sonal desire had blunted the first resent
ment that Lady Frances Hopes disclosures
had engendered. In the reckless pursuit OF
excitement that had marked the past three
months she had imagined him banished
from her mind; but now, at the knowledge
of his promised advent. she realized that 1t
had only been an imagination: that. despite
everything. his place in her mind had never
been usurped.
When at last she fell asleep. long after
midnight, her dreams were strange, ex-
citing, almost happy; and when next morn
ing the entrance of Simonetta reused her
to consciousness. IL was with something
like hopefulness and anticipation that she
turned her eyes to the open window, through
which the clear country sunlight was break
ing between the gay chntz curtains.
With quick. eager wakefulness she
sat up in bed and pushed back her
loosened hair. A feeling, long forgotten,
was stirring in her heart-the vague. de-
Ncious hope of future things that had been
wont to thrill her long ago, when she rode
her fathers horses along the strand at Or
ristown in the untarnished dawn of an
Irish day.
During the process of dressing this sense
of anticipation grew. and with 1t came a
spontaneous wish for action. She became
imbued with the same desire for light and
air and freedom that had possessed her on
the day in Florence when she had gazed out
upon the distant hills from the window of
the villa.
Something of her eager energy was shin
ing in her eyes as she descended the stairs
and entered the sunny morning room, where
breakfast was always served when the
party at Tuffnel was small
Lady Diana and her husband were al
ready in the room. glancing through their
morning letters. the former wearing a
plain linen dress. the latter an old shooting
suit that haG seen much service At the
moment that she opened the door Lady
Diana was reading aloud from the letter in
her hand. while George Tuffnell was laugh
Ing with enormous amusement. They made
a very homely, pleasant picture of con-
tented. successful married life.
Seeing their guest they both came for
ward cordially, and George Tuffnell smiled
warm heartedly as he took her hand.
well, Mrs. Milbanke. and what is Turf
nell like in daylight? Isn't 1t worth a hun
dred Londons? Haven't you got an appe-
tite for breakfast"
Lady Diana laughed as she led Clodagh
to the table
George is a horrible egoist." she said,
cheerfully. HE thinks the only things in
the world worthy of consideration are Turf
nell-and the Tuffnels.'
OlOuagn smiled as she TOOK her seat.
''He is very much justified she said,
softly. Then she glanced round the table.
"But where's Lady Frances?'
Her hostess smiled.
"Breakfastlng in bed. / knocked at her
door at to ask whether she would caIe
for Canter before breakfast. or whether
she would like to walk over to the home
farm with George. but she literally drove
me away. She's out of sorts today. Pour
Frances
"Oh. ] am sorry Clodagh looked Gis-
tressed. Just today, when every5olys
comingi'
George Tuffnedd turned to her with his
habitual bluff kindness.
Don't trouble Mrs. Milbanke," ne said
shell be all right by the afternoon. I.'s
the mornings that society plays the dcucs
with. Look at Di! Look what country
life has done for herr
Clodagh looked almost shyly at her hos
tess straight shoulders and healthy happy
face
Don't make me more envious than /
am she said, gently. Lady Diana has
everything"
With a sympathetic gesture Lady Diana
extended her hand and touched hers lightly
MY dear" she said. you have no rea-
son to repine. And Tuffnell is to bring you
can we plan for the morning George"
George Tuffnel looked up from the ONE
let to which he was helping himself
What would Mrs. Mibanke like? You
may do anything you like here, Ms NIL
banke-except be unhappy
Clodagh smiled brightly.
Anything"
"Anything-in wisdom"
She hesitated for a moment, looking down