Mrs. Sheldon and Charlotte do not appear to
notice these things. They are accustomed to see him quiet and reserved,
and they don't perceive the change in him as I do."
"O, there is a change, is there?"
"Yes, a decided change."
"Why the deuce couldn't you tell me this before!"
"Why should I tell you that Mr. Sheldon seems anxious? I should not have
told you now, if you had not appeared to dread his interference in our
affairs. I can't help observing these things; but I don't want to play
the part of a spy."
"No, you're so infernally punct--so delicate-minded, my love," said the
Captain, pulling himself up suddenly, for the second time. "Forgive me if
I was impatient just now. You look at these things from a higher point of
view than that of a battered old man of the world like me. But if you
should see anything remarkable in Mr. Sheldon's conduct on another
occasion, my love, I should be obliged to you if you would be more
communicative. He and I have been allied in business, you see, and it is
important for me to know these things."
"I have not seen anything remarkable in Mr. Sheldon's conduct, papa; I
have only seen him thoughtful and dispirited. And I suppose anxieties are
common to every man of business."
Georgy received Miss Paget's announcement with mingled lamentations and
congratulations.
"I am sure I am heartily glad for your sake, Diana," she said; "but what
we shall do without you, I don't know.
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