"Are you really
nervous at being left in the Cottage alone--even with the doughty Maria for
company? If you are, I'll ride over to White Windows and ask Lady Susan to
put you up there until Robin comes back."
"Oh, no, no!" she exclaimed hastily. "I'm perfectly all right. I am,
really, Eliot. I didn't sleep very well last night, that's all."
"Well, then, take a rest after lunch. I shan't be able to come over this
afternoon--I have to go to Ferribridge. So"--pinching her cheek--"your
slumbers will be undisturbed. And go to bed early to-night," he added
authoritatively.
He went away, and later Ann made a pretence at eating lunch. The idea of
"taking a rest" almost brought a smile to her pale lips. There was nothing
further from her than sleep. Her brain felt on fire, and the time seemed to
race along, each minute bringing nearer the dreaded ordeal of the evening.
At seven Maria brought in dinner, and once again Ann had to make a pretence
at eating. Every mouthful felt as though it would choke her. Then, just as
she was wondering how on earth she was to dispose of what still remained on
her plate without incurring Maria's displeasure, there came a ring at the
bell, and a minute later Maria herself reappeared, carrying a telegram on a
salver.
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