It almost took from him what little breath he
had to learn that he had been all this time in a man's house
without his knowledge. No doubt, in good sense and justice, the
house was Joan's too, however little the male aristocracy may be
inclined to admit such a statement of rights, but there must be
some one at the head of things, and, however ill he might occupy
it, that place was naturally his lordship's, and he had at least a
right to know who was in the house. Huge discomfort thereupon
invaded Cosmo, and a restless desire to be out of the place. His
silence frightened Joan.
"Are you very angry with me, Cosmo," she said.
"Angry! No, Joan! How could I be angry with you? Only it makes me
feel myself where I have no business to be--rather like a thief in
fact."
"Oh, I am so sorry! But what could I do? You don't know my brother,
or you would not wonder. He seems to have a kind of hatred to your
family!--I do not in the least know why. Could my father have said
anything about you that he misunderstood?--But no, that could not
be!--And yet my father did say he knew your house many years
before!"
"I don't care how Lord Mergwain regards me," said Cosmo; "what
angers me is that he should behave so to you that you dare not tell
him a thing. Now I AM sorry I came without writing to you first!--I
don't know though!--and I can't say I am sorry I was taken ill, for
all the trouble I have been to you; I should never have known
otherwise how beautiful and good you are.
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