I don't want you to think
worse of me than is necessary."
"Tell me whatever you wish, Jane, then we will forget the subject."
"As if that were possible! O John, as if it were possible to forget one
hour of our life together!"
"You are right. It is not possible--no, indeed!"
"Well, John, when I left Harlow House that afternoon, I went straight to
Hatton Hall. It was growing late, but I expected to have a cup of tea
there and perhaps, if asked, stay all night and have a good wise talk
over the things that troubled me. When I arrived at the Hall your mother
had just returned from the village. She was sitting by the newly-made
fire with her cloak and bonnet on but they were both unfastened and her
furs and gloves had been removed. She looked troubled, and even angry,
and when I spoke to her, barely answered me. I sat down and began to
tell her I had been at Harlow all day. She did not inquire after
mother's health and took no interest in any remark I made."
"That was very unlike my mother."
"It was, John.
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