When Diana last caught sight of them, Marion had a
_contadino's_ child on her knee, in the corner of a third-class
carriage, and Frobisher opposite--he spoke a fluent Italian--was
laughing and jesting with the father. Marion, smiling, waved her hand,
and the train bore them away.
* * * * *
The others moved to Perugia, and the hours they spent together in the
high and beautiful town were for all of them hours of well-being. Diana
was the centre of the group. In the eyes of the three men her story
invested her with a peculiar and touching interest. Their knowledge of
it, and her silent acceptance of their knowledge, made a bond between
her and them which showed itself in a hundred ways. Neither Ferrier, nor
Chide, nor young Forbes could ever do too much for her, or think for her
too loyally. And, on the other hand, it was her inevitable perception of
their unspoken thoughts which gave her courage toward them--a kind of
freedom which it is very difficult for women to feel or exercise in the
ordinary circumstances of life. She gave them each--gratefully--a bit of
her heart, in different ways.
Bobbie had adopted her as elder sister, having none of his own; and by
now she knew all about his engagement, his distaste for the Foreign
Office, his lack of prospects there, and his determination to change it
for some less expensive and more remunerative calling.
Pages:
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472