It was agreed between Ann Woolper and me that there
should be a general cleaning while we were away at the seaside. We were
to be away a fortnight, and everything was to be as neat as a new pin
when we came home. But here we are back in less than a week, and
everything at sixes-and-sevens. Where we are to dine I know not; and as
for the carpets, they are all away at the beating-place, and Ann tells me
they won't be home till Friday."
"We can exist without carpets," answered Mr. Sheldon, in a hard dry
voice. "I suppose they are seeing to Miss Halliday's room?" he added,
addressing himself to Mrs. Woolper. "Why don't you go and look after
them, Nancy?"
"Sarah knows what she has to do. The bed-rooms was done first; and
there's not much amiss in Miss Charlotte's room."
Mr. Sheldon dropped wearily into a chair. He looked pale and haggard.
Throughout the journey he had been unfailing in his attention to the
invalid; but the journey had been fatiguing; for Charlotte Halliday was
very ill--so ill as to be unable to avoid inflicting trouble upon
others. The weariness--the dizziness--the dull intervals of
semi-consciousness--the helpless tottering walk, which was like the
walk of intoxication rather than ordinary weakness--the clouded
sight--all the worst symptoms of this nameless disease, had every hour
grown more alarming.
Against this journey to London Mrs.
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