Page 220

“He is looking at me,” Charles said as Elizabeth entered.

“He is looking toward the window,” Jane replied.

“I am between him and the window.”

“Then you are well placed to take the credit.”

Charles looked up at Elizabeth, plainly pleased to have another witness. She went nearer and considered the small face resting against his arm.

“I should be reluctant to contradict his father upon such short acquaintance.”

“Thank you.”

“But Jane has had more opportunity to study him.”

“Then you offer me no assistance at all.”

“Very little. You will become accustomed to it.”

Jane laughed. Charles smiled at her over the baby’s head, and Elizabeth felt the familiar pleasure of seeing her sister loved by a man who did not conceal his delight in her.

“You have your gloves,” Jane observed.

“Sir thought I ought to walk.”

“Then you must. You have hardly been outside.”

“I wished to see whether you wanted anything first.”

“I want you to sit down and tell me something which has not been asked of Mrs. Talbot.”

Charles rose carefully with the child.

“I shall take him while you talk.”

“Stay near,” Jane said.

“I shall be in the sitting room.”

He looked down to make certain his son approved of the change, then carried him through the adjoining door. The nurse who had been assisting Jane went with him. Elizabeth sat in the chair by the bed and put her gloves upon her lap.

“What shall I tell you?”

“Whatever you please.”

“Papa has discovered that Sir will leave his chair if somebody opens the door and speaks as though a walk were intended.”

“That seems rather unkind if he does not mean to walk.”

“He was obliged to go yesterday. Sir waited for him in the hall until Mama asked why the poor creature had been disappointed.”

Jane smiled. “Then they were both improved by the arrangement.”

“Papa has not admitted it. He was still complaining of the distance when he came back.”

For a little while they spoke of nothing which required anybody to be brave.

Then Jane reached for Elizabeth’s hand.