For several days Coventry was confined to his room, much against his

will, though everyone did their best to lighten his irksome captivity.

His mother petted him, Bella sang, Lucia read, Edward was devoted, and

all the household, with one exception, were eager to serve the young

master. Jean Muir never came near him, and Jean Muir alone seemed to

possess the power of amusing him. He soon tired of the others, wanted

something new; recalled the piquant character of the girl and took a

fancy into his head that she would lighten his ennui. After some

hesitation, he carelessly spoke of her to Bella, but nothing came of

it, for Bella only said Jean was well, and very busy doing something

lovely to surprise Mamma with. Edward complained that he never saw

her, and Lucia ignored her existence altogether. The only intelligence

the invalid received was from the gossip of two housemaids over their

work in the next room. From them he learned that the governess had

been "scolded" by Miss Beaufort for going to Mr. Coventry's room; that

she had taken it very sweetly and kept herself carefully out of the

way of both young gentlemen, though it was plain to see that Mr. Ned

was dying for her.

Mr. Gerald amused himself by thinking over this gossip, and quite

annoyed his sister by his absence of mind.

"Gerald, do you know Ned's commission has come?"

"Very interesting. Read on, Bella."

"You stupid boy! You don't know a word I say," and she put down the book

to repeat her news.

"I'm glad of it; now we must get him off as soon as possible--that is, I

suppose he will want to be off as soon as possible." And Coventry woke

up from his reverie.

"You needn't check yourself, I know all about it. I think Ned was very

foolish, and that Miss Muir has behaved beautifully. It's quite

impossible, of course, but I wish it wasn't, I do so like to watch

lovers. You and Lucia are so cold you are not a bit interesting."

"You'll do me a favor if you'll stop all that nonsense about Lucia and

me. We are not lovers, and never shall be, I fancy. At all events, I'm

tired of the thing, and wish you and Mamma would let it drop, for the

present at least."

"Oh Gerald, you know Mamma has set her heart upon it, that Papa desired

it, and poor Lucia loves you so much. How can you speak of dropping what

will make us all so happy?"

"It won't make me happy, and I take the liberty of thinking that this is

of some importance. I'm not bound in any way, and don't intend to be

till I am ready. Now we'll talk about Ned."

Much grieved and surprised, Bella obeyed, and devoted herself to Edward,

who very wisely submitted to his fate and prepared to leave home for

some months. For a week the house was in a state of excitement about his

departure, and everyone but Jean was busied for him. She was scarcely

seen; every morning she gave Bella her lessons, every afternoon drove

out with Mrs. Coventry, and nearly every evening went up to the Hall to

read to Sir John, who found his wish granted without exactly knowing how

it had been done.




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