"It would have been better had you told him sooner, dear! It would
have spared you and him much suffering."
"I knew how engrossed he was by his business, and how ignorant he
was of household or medical matters, and I saved him all the bother
I could. I have tried, in some things and some times, to be a good
wife, Aunt Rachel! But often I have failed, O, how egregiously!
and"--beginning to weep--"the thought pierces my heart by day and by
night. What if I never have an opportunity of doing any better, of
covering up the traces of my footsteps?"
Mrs. Sutton patted the wasted hand with her cool one, but essayed no
other soothing.
"Where is your husband now? I understood from your note that he was
with you."
"He rode over to Dr. Ritchie's this morning, directly he had given
me my breakfast. He thinks highly of his skill, and he would not be
contented without bringing him to see me. I really believe he is
anxious I should get well! Strange--isn't it? when I am such a
burden upon his mind and hands."
Aunt Rachel smiled.
"Not at all strange, you ridiculous child! Two of the most
dearly-loved wives I ever knew were invalids, and bedridden, not for
weeks only, but for years. You can best show your gratitude for his
affection and kindness by getting better rapidly while he is here,
that he may leave you with a lighter heart."
"He is kind! too kind!" murmured Rosa, composing herself among the
cushions, as if to sleep.
She was quiet so long that Mrs. Button had leisure for some
reflections relating to her own personal action in the somewhat
embarrassing position she occupied. She had never seen Frederic
Chrlton from the day he left Ridgeley as Mabel's betrothed. His
visits to the neighborhood since his marriage had been few and
brief, and she had studied to avoid him whenever she happened to be
with the William Suttons during one of these. He might have guessed
her design, or unwittingly favored it on his own account. The
meeting would not be more pleasant to him than to her. But why had
he allowed his wife to send for her? The alteration in him must
indeed be great, if he could, without a conflict with resentful and
painful memories, bow his pride to sue for the services of a
relative of the Ayletts, and formerly one of their household, even
in such a cause as that which now commanded her sympathies.