'I am afraid you will never feel out of the
whirl.'
'Yours would be a loss to us all,' said Mr. Kendal. 'The more
inmates there are in a house, the more needful to have them well
assorted.'
'Just so; and that makes me afraid--'
'Of me? No, Albinia, I will try not to be a check on your spirits.'
'You! Oh! I meant that we should disturb you.'
'You never disturb me, Albinia; and it is not what it was when the
children's voices were untrained and unsubdued.'
'I can't say much for Master Maurice's voice.'
He smiled, he had never yet found those joyous notes de trop, and he
continued, 'Your room is of value and use to us all; mine has been of
little benefit to me, and none to any one else. I wish I could as
easily leave behind me all the habits I have fostered there.'
'Edmund, it is too good! When poor Sophy recovers her senses she
will feel it, for I believe that morning room would have been a great
loss to her.'
'It was too much to ask in her present state. I should have come to
the same conclusion without her showing how much this plan cost her,
for nothing can be plainer than that while she continues subject to
these attacks, she must have some retreat.'
'Yet,' ventured Albinia, 'if you think solitude did you no good, do
you think letting these fits have their swing is good for Sophy?'
'I _cannot_ drive her about! They must not be harshly treated,' he
answered quickly.
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