Now thou and
thy husband will be of our family."
Diana was bewildered, grieved, indignant with the father who had deceived
her by his studious suppression of the truth. She found herself placed in
the position of rival to Charlotte, and the whole proceeding seemed to
her mean and treacherous.
But it was no time for remonstrance or open expression of indignant
feeling. Her father's days were numbered. She knew this, and she held her
peace. Nor did Mrs. Sheldon utter any word of complaint, though the
disappointment she experienced upon hearing this revelation was very
keen. The idea of the four or five thousand pounds which were to come to
Charlotte had been a consolation to her in the midst of that confusion
and desolation which had newly come upon her life. She left Knightsbridge
that evening somewhat depressed in spirits, and half inclined to be angry
with Charlotte and her husband for their gaiety of manner, and evident
happiness in each other's society.
"It seems hard to have to begin the world at my age," she murmured
hopelessly, "after being accustomed to have everything nice about me, as
I had at the Lawn; though I own that the trouble and care of the servants
was wearing me to the grave."
"Dear mamma," exclaimed Charlotte tenderly, "there is no fear of trouble
or poverty for you or for us. Valentine has plenty of money, and is on
the high road to securing a comfortable income.
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