Part 19 (2/2)
Then Dr. Wilton went away, saying,--
”Good-bye; we must hope for better things. Remember, tell Raymond seven o'clock to-morrow evening.”
”The first time he has ever asked Raymond to dinner,” said Mrs. Wilton.
”O Salome, it is very hard to be treated in this way!”
”I think I am sure Uncle Loftus means to help us; he is very kind. And, dear mother, Raymond must be told he cannot go on like this. He ought not to stay out so late every night; and--” Salome stopped. Mrs. Wilton broke completely down, and cried bitterly.
”Don't speak sharply to him, Salome,” she sobbed. ”I will try what I can do. He does love me. I shall wait up for him to-night, and you can go to bed. Let us have prayers now.”
To the surprise of his mother and Salome, though scarcely more than half-past nine, Raymond's key was heard in the door, and he came in, throwing his ulster on a chair and his hat on it.
”Is it raining, Raymond?” his mother asked.
”No,” was the short answer; and then there was silence till Stevens came in with the Bible, and Reginald, with a rough, s.h.a.ggy head of hair, and ink on his fingers, followed her into the room.
CHAPTER XII.
CONFIDENCES.
Salome did not know what pa.s.sed between Raymond and her mother, but when she came up to her room, she heard her speaking cheerfully to Stevens, who always came to attend on her mistress, as in old days. Salome had slept in a small iron bedstead in a corner of her mother's room since Ada had left home, in order that Raymond might have the one she had shared with her sister to himself. Salome, however, still kept her property in her old room, and her ma.n.u.script and heaps of books and scribbles were in the drawer there, so that she often went into it.
The next morning Salome got up early, with the intention of posting her roll and the letter at the nearest Elm Fields post-office before breakfast. It seemed that Raymond had changed his habits, for Salome met him ready dressed in the pa.s.sage, as she softly left her mother's room.
”Where are you off to, Salome?” he asked.
”I was going to post a letter. O Ray, I am so glad you are up early; and I will get the coffee made directly.--Be quiet, children,” she said, as two little figures came dancing down the pa.s.sage in their nightgowns.
”Run back and be quiet, or you will wake mamma.”
Stevens was busy in the dining-room, where the fire was burning cheerfully, and the light of the December morning struggling to gain ascendency over the Harstone fogs.
”Wonders never cease!” exclaimed Stevens. ”Master Raymond will be in time at the office for once!” Stevens spoke with the freedom of an old servant, and to Salome's surprise her brother did not resent it. He was quiet and subdued, but evidently absorbed in his own thoughts.
”You are never going out in the cold and fog, Miss Salome? What are you going for?” Stevens asked.
Salome was all this time hoping the ma.n.u.script and letter, stuffed in the pocket of her black ulster, would escape notice.
”I like to warm my feet before breakfast, Stevens. Do go and call Reginald. He will be late for school. He was so tired last night with his work.”
Stevens was gone at last, and brother and sister were left together.
Salome's heart beat fast. She did so much wish to say the right thing, and to avoid irritating her brother. She was apparently intent on watching the boiling of the little ”Hecla” which made the coffee, but in reality she was thinking how she should begin what she longed to say.
She was spared the effort. Raymond suddenly said,--
”I am in a great bother, Salome. I wish you would help me. I--”
”How can I help you, Ray? Oh, I am so sorry for you and for mother! I do trust Mr. Warde will let you stay at the office.”
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