Kates been so put about with Bertie, she said, in a tone of excuse. And she was up nearly all last night.
She never takes things like you do, Richard remarked.
Shes got more to bear. Theres the children always making her anxious. She took Alf to the hospital this afternoon, and the doctor says he must haveI forget the name, somebodys food. But its two-and-ninepence for ever such a little tin. They dont think as his teeth ll ever come.
Oh, I daresay they will, said Richard encouragingly.
He had put his arm about her. Emma knelt down by him, and rested her head against his shoulder.
Im tired, she whispered. Ive had to go twice to the Minories to-day. Im so afraid I shant be able to hold my eyes open with Jane, and Kates tireder still.
She did not speak as if seeking for sympathy it was only the natural utterance of her thoughts in a moment of restful confidence. Uttermost weariness was a condition too familiar to the girl to be spoken of in any but a patient, matter-of-fact tone. But it was priceless soothing to let her forehead repose against the heart whose love was the one and sufficient blessing of her life. Her brown hair was very soft and fine; a lover of another kind would have pressed his lips upon it. Richard was thinking of matters more practical. At another time his indignationin such a case right good and manfulwould have boiled over at the thought of these poor women crushed in slavery to feed the worlds dastard selfishness; this evening his mood was more complaisant, and he smiled as one at ease.
Hadnt you better give up your work? he said.
Emma raised her head. In the few moments of repose her eyelids had drooped with growing heaviness; she looked at him as if she had just been awakened to some great surprise.
Give up work? How can I?
I think I would. Youd have more time to give to Jane, and you could sleep in the day. And Jane had better not begin again after this. Dont you think it would be better if you left these lodgings and took a house, where thered be plenty of room and fresh air?
Richard, what are you talking about?
He laughed, quietly, on account of the sleeping children.
How would you like, he continued, to go and live in the country? Kate and Jane could have a house of their own, you knowin London, I mean, a house like ours; they could let a room or two if they chose. Then you and I could go where we liked. I was down in the Midland Counties yesterday; had to go on business; and I saw a house that would just suit us. Its a bit large; I daresay theres sixteen or twenty rooms. And theres trees growing all about it; a big garden
Emma dropped her head again and laughed, happy that Richard should jest with her so good-humouredly; for he did not often talk in the lighter way. She had read of such houses in the weekly story-papers. It must be nice to live in them; it must be nice to be a denizen of Paradise.
Im in earnest, Emma.
His voice caused her to gaze at him again.
Bring a chair, he said, and Ill tell you something thatllkeep you awake.
The insensible fellow! Her sweet, pale, wondering face was so close to his, the warmth of her drooping frame was against his heartand he bade her sit apart to listen.
She placed herself as he desired, sitting with her hands together in her lap, her countenance troubled a little, wishing to smile, yet not quite venturing. And he told his story, told it in all details, with figures that filled the mouth, that rolled forth like gold upon the bank-scales.
This is mine, he said, mine and yours.
Have you seen a child listening to a long fairy tale, every page a new adventure of wizardry, a story of elf, or mermaid, or gnome, of treasures underground guarded by enchanted monsters, of bells heard silverly in the depth of old forests, of castles against the sunset, of lakes beneath the quiet moon? Know you how light gathers in the eyes dreaming on vision after vision, ever more intensely realised, yet ever of an unknown world? How, when at length the readers voice is silent, the eyes still see, the ears still hear, until a movement breaks the spell, and with a deep, involuntary sigh the little one gazes here and there, wondering?
So Emma listened, and so she came back to consciousness, looking about the room, incredulous. Had she been overcome with weariness? Had she slept and dreamt?
One of the children stirred and uttered a little wailing sound. She stepped lightly to the bedside, bent for a moment, saw that all was well again, and came back on tip-toe. The simple duty had quieted her throbbing heart. She seated herself as before.
What about the country house now? said Richard.
I dont know what to say. Its more than I can take into my head.
Youre not going to say, like mother did, that it was the worst piece of news shed ever heard?
Your mother said that?
Emma was startled. Had her thought passed lightly over some danger? She examined her mind rapidly.
I suppose she said it, Richard explained, just because she didnt know what else to say, thats about the truth. But there certainly is one thing Im a little anxious about, myself. I dont care for either Alice or Arry to know the details of this windfall. They wont come in for their share till theyre of age, and its just as well they should think its only a moderate little sum. So dont talk about it, Emma.
The girl was still musing on Mrs. Mutimers remark; she merely shook her head.
You didnt think you were going to marry a man with his thousands and be a lady? Well, I shall have more to say in a day or two. But at present my idea is that mother and the rest of them shall go into a larger house, and that you and Kate and Jane shall take our place. I dont know how long itll be before those Eldon people can get out of Wanley Manor, but as soon as they do, why then theres nothing to prevent you and me going into it. Will that suit you, Em?
We shall really live in that big house?
Certainly we shall. Ive got a lifes work before me there, as far as I can see at present. The furniture belongs to Mrs. Eldon, I believe; well furnish the place to suit ourselves.
May I tell my sisters, Richard?
Just tell them that Ive come in for some money and a house, perhaps thats enough. And look here, Ill leave you this five-pound note to go on with. You must get Jane whatever the doctor says. And throw all that sewing out of the windows; well have no more convict labour. Tell Jane to get well just as soon as it suits her.
Butall this money?
Ive plenty. The lawyer advanced me some for present needs. Now its getting late, I must go. Ill write and tell you when I shall be home again.
He held out his hand, but the girl embraced him with the restrained tenderness which in her spoke so eloquently.
Are you glad, Emma? he asked.
Very glad, for your sake.
And just a bit for your own, eh?
I never thought about money, she answered. It was quite enough to be your wife.
It was the simple truth.
CHAPTER VI
At eleven oclock the next morning Richard presented himself at the door of a house in Avenue Road, St. Johns Wood, and expressed a desire to see Mr. Westlake. That gentleman was at home; he received the visitor in his studya spacious room luxuriously furnished, with a large window looking upon a lawn. The day was sunny and warm, but a clear fire equalised the temperature of the room. There was an odour of good tobacco, always most delightful when it blends with the scent of rich bindings.