Algernon could not complain without making himself ridiculous, and
Albinia was too much engaged to keep watch over her son, so that the
persecution daily became more intolerable, and barren indications of
wrath were so diverting to the little monkey, that the presence of
the heads of the family was the sole security from his tricks. Poor
Lucy was the chief sufferer, unable to restrain her brother, and
enduring the brunt of her husband's irritation, with the great
disappointment of being unable to make him happy at her home, and
fearing every day that he would fulfil his threat of not staying
another week in the house with that intolerable child, for the sake
of any one's grandmother.
Tidings came, however, that completely sobered Maurice, and made them
unable to think of moving. It was the first rumour of the charge of
Balaklava, with the report that the 25th Lancers were cut to pieces.
In spite of Algernon's reiteration that telegraphs were lies, all the
household would have been glad to lose the sense of existence during
the time of suspense. Albinia's heart was wrung as she thought of
the cold hurried manner of the last farewell, and every look she cast
at her husband's calm melancholy face, seemed to be asking pardon
that his son was not safe in India.
Late that evening the maid came hurriedly in with a packet of papers.
'A telegraph, ma'am, come express from Hadminster.'
It was to Mrs Kendal from one of her friends at the Horse Guards.
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