Part 60 (1/2)
Kitty recovered herself first.
”It's not my fault that we've met,” she said, panting a little. ”Don't look at me so--so unkindly. I know you don't want to see me. Why--why should we speak at all? I'm going away.” And she turned with a gesture of farewell.
Alice Wensleydale laid a detaining hand on Kitty's arm.
”No! stay a moment. You are in black. You look ill.”
Kitty turned towards her. They had moved on instinctively into the shelter of one of the narrow streets.
”My boy died--two months ago,” she said, holding herself proudly aloof.
Lady Alice started.
”I hadn't heard. I'm very sorry for you. How old was he?”
”Three years old.”
”Poor baby!” The words were very low and soft. ”My boy--was fourteen.
But you have other children?”
”No--and I don't want them. They might die, too.”
Lady Alice paused. She still held her half-sister by the arm, towering above her. She was quite as thin as Kitty, but much taller and more largely built; and, beside the elaborate elegance of Kitty's mourning, Alice's black veil and dress had a severe, conventual air. They were almost the dress of a religious.
”How are you?” she said, gently. ”I often think of you. Are you happy in your marriage?”
Kitty laughed.
”We're such a happy lot, aren't we? We understand it so well. Oh, don't trouble about me. You know you said you couldn't have anything to do with me. Are you staying in Venice?”
”I came in from Treviso for a day or two, to see a friend--”
”You had better not stay,” said Kitty, hastily. ”Maman is here. At least, if you don't want to run across her.”
Lady Alice let go her hold.
”I shall go home to-morrow morning.”
They moved on a few steps in silence, then Alice paused. Kitty's delicate face and cloud of hair made a pale, luminous spot in the darkness of the _calle_. Alice looked at her with emotion.
”I want to say something to you.”
”Yes?”
”If you are ever in trouble--if you ever want me, send for me. Address Treviso, and it will always find me.”
Kitty made no reply. They had reached a bridge over a side ca.n.a.l, and she stopped, leaning on the parapet.
”Did you hear what I said?” asked her companion.
”Yes. I'll remember. I suppose you think it your duty. What do you do with yourself?”