Sophy stole her hand into hers, and said in
her odd, short way, 'Never mind, it did not signify.'
'Yes,' said Mrs. Dusautoy, 'those things are just what one does get
so much used to, that it seems much easier to bear them than to speak
about them.'
'But to let oneself be so driven about,' cried Albinia. 'Oh! Sophy,
you will never do so again! If I had ever guessed--'
'Please hush! Never mind!' said Sophy, almost crossly, and getting
up from the floor quickly, as though resolved to be well.
'I have never minded long enough,' sighed Albinia. 'What shall I do,
Mrs. Dusautoy? What do you think it is?'
This was the last question Mrs. Dusautoy wished to be asked in
Sophy's presence. She had little doubt that it was spine complaint
like her own, but she had not intended to let her perceive the
impression, till after having seen Mrs. Kendal alone. However,
Albinia's impetuosity disconcerted all precautions, and Sophy's two
great black eyes were rounded with suppressed terror, as if expecting
her doom. 'I think that a doctor ought to answer that question,'
Mrs. Dusautoy began.
'Yes, yes,' exclaimed Albinia, 'but I never had any faith in old Mr.
Bowles, I had rather go to a thorough good man at once.'
'Yes, certainly, by all means.'
'And then to whom! I will write to my Aunt Mary. It seems exactly
like you. Do you think it is the spine?'
'I am afraid so. But, my dear,' holding out her hand caressingly to
Sophy, 'you need not be frightened--you need not look at me as an
example of what you will come to--I am only an example of what comes
of never speaking of one's ailments.
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