The sobering came in Mr. Kendal's mention of Fred. Albinia was
obliged to ask what had happened to him, and was shocked at having
overlooked so terrible a misfortune; but Maurice seemed to be quite
satisfied. 'You know, mamma, it said they were cut to pieces. Can't
they make him a wooden arm?' evidently thinking he could be repaired
as easily as the creatures in his sister's Noah's Ark. Even Algernon
showed a heartiness and fellow-feeling that seemed to make him more
like one of the family. Moreover, he was so much elevated at the
receipt of a telegraph direct from the fountain-head, that he rode
about the next day over all the neighbourhood with the tidings and
comported himself as though he had private access to all Lord
Raglan's secrets.
The unwonted emotion tamed Maurice for several days, and his
behaviour was the better for his daily rides with papa to Hadminster,
to forestall the second post. At last, on his return, his voice rang
through the house. 'Mamma, where are you? The letter is come, and
Gilbert shot two Russians, and saved Cousin Fred!'
'I opened your letter, Albinia,' said Mr. Kendal; and, as she took it
from him, he said, 'Thank God, I never dared hope for such a day as
this!'
He shut himself into the library, while Albinia was sharing with
Sophy the precious letter, but with a moment's disappointment at
finding it not from Gilbert, but from her brother William.
Pages:
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600