CHAPTER XIX

Aletter,edgedwithblack,announcedthedayofmymaster’sreturn.Isabellawasdeadandhewrotetobidmegetmourningforhisdaughter,andarrangearoom,andotheraccommodations,forhisyouthfulnephew.Catherineranwildwithjoyattheideaofwelcomingherfatherbackandindulgedmostsanguineanticipationsoftheinnumerableexcellenciesofher“real”cousin.Theeveningoftheirexpectedarrivalcame.Sinceearlymorningshehadbeenbusyorderingherownsmallaffairsandnowattiredinhernewblackfrock—poorthing!heraunt’sdeathimpressedherwithnodefinitesorrow—sheobligedme,byconstantworrying,towalkwithherdownthroughthegroundstomeetthem. “LintonisjustsixmonthsyoungerthanIam,”shechattered,aswestrolledleisurelyovertheswellsandhollowsofmossyturf,undershadowofthetrees.“Howdelightfulitwillbetohavehimforaplayfellow!AuntIsabellasentpapaabeautifullockofhishairitwaslighterthanmine—moreflaxen,andquiteasfine.IhaveitcarefullypreservedinalittleglassboxandI’veoftenthoughtwhatapleasureitwouldbetoseeitsowner.Oh!Iamhappy—andpapa,dear,dearpapa!Come,Ellen,letusrun!come,run.” Sheran,andreturnedandranagain,manytimesbeforemysoberfootstepsreachedthegate,andthensheseatedherselfonthegrassybankbesidethepath,andtriedtowaitpatientlybutthatwasimpossible:shecouldn’tbestillaminute. “Howlongtheyare!”sheexclaimed.“Ah,Iseesomedustontheroad—theyarecoming!No!Whenwilltheybehere?Maywenotgoalittleway—halfamile,Ellen,onlyjusthalfamile?Dosayyes,tothatclumpofbirchesattheturn!” Irefusedstaunchly.Atlengthhersuspensewasended:thetravellingcar