Лето

           “My,youdolookprettymean,”shesaidcompassionately.

           Charityreddened,andsatdownatthetable.Afeelingofcompletepassivenesshadoncemorecomeoverher,andshewasconsciousonlyofthepleasantanimalsensationsofwarmthandrest.

           Mrs.Hobartputbreadandmilkonthetable,andthenwentoutofthehouse:Charitysawherleadingthehorseawaytothebarnacrosstheyard.Shedidnotcomeback,andMr.RoyallandCharitysataloneatthetablewiththesmokingcoffeebetweenthem.Hepouredoutacupforher,andputapieceofbreadinthesaucer,andshebegantoeat.

           Asthewarmthofthecoffeeflowedthroughherveinsherthoughtsclearedandshebegantofeellikealivingbeingagain;butthereturntolifewassopainfulthatthefoodchokedinherthroatandshesatstaringdownatthetableinsilentanguish.

           AfterawhileMr.Royallpushedbackhischair.“Now,then,”hesaid,“ifyou’reamindtogoalong——”Shedidnotmove,andhecontinued:“WecanpickupthenoontrainforNettletonifyousayso.”

           Thewordssentthebloodrushingtoherface,andsheraisedherstartledeyestohis.Hewasstandingontheothersideofthetablelookingatherkindlyandgravely;andsuddenlysheunderstoodwhathewasgoingtosay.Shecontinuedtositmotionless,aleadenweightuponherlips.

           “Youandmehavespokesomehardthingstoeachotherinourtime,Charity;andthere’snogoodthatIcanseeinanymoretalkingnow.