Part 71 (2/2)
”Good-morning, Eily;” Miss Vandaleur, in a simple morning gown of white, entered the room.
Eily struggled to her feet. ”Good-morning, miss, your honour!”
Bee laughed good-naturedly; it was funny to hear herself addressed by such a t.i.tle.
”Now lie still, Eily, you are not quite strong yet. Tell me, are you happy here?”
”Happy! Arrah, it's like heaven, miss; my blessin' and the blessin' of G.o.d on ye for all your kindness to a poor girl. Shure, but for yourself I would have been in me grave this day.”
[Sidenote: ”Is there no one else?”]
”I am glad you are happy, Eily; but is there no one you would like to see, no one from home, I mean? Just say the word; perhaps I can manage it,” she said slyly.
”Shure there's me mother--maybe me father too; but you could scarce get them here, miss--beggin' your honour's pardon,” she added hastily.
”Is there no one else, Eily? no one that you think of sometimes--no one who was kind to you, and loved you dearly?” Bee was leaning over the wan face eagerly, and what she saw for answer was a deep crimson flush that covered face, neck, and brow, while tears rolled down the cheeks. Eily had been thinking of Dermot continually of late, wis.h.i.+ng with all her heart that she had not so scorned his love; she had learnt many lessons in the quiet watches of the night and the weary hours of weakness through which she had pa.s.sed.
Bee Vandaleur said no more, but patted the dark curls gently. ”Don't cry, Eily, all will be right soon,” and she left the room.
Eily was alone once more.
”Ah, Dermot, Dermot asth.o.r.e! why was it I trated ye so!” The tears were trickling through her fingers, and her heart was aching with self-reproach.
”Eily, mavourneen!”
The tear-stained fingers were taken in two big, strong hands, and Dermot, with a depth of love in his eyes, bent over the sorrow-stricken face and laid a kiss on the quivering lips; not another word was spoken, but Dermot's protecting arms were around her, and with her head on the heart that throbbed with love and devotion all the past was blotted out, all her folly forgotten, and Eily found rest.
In a surprisingly short time Eily regained her health; happiness is the best of medicine, and Eily felt she had as much as her heart could hold.
Looking at Dermot with a lover's eyes she found out all that was n.o.ble and good in him, and when he asked her to be his wife ere a week had flown by she gave a glad consent.
Unwin Brothers, Limited, The Gresham Press, Woking and London
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