The Argosy — page 82: what you’re looking at

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Mrs. Carr’s Companion. — 69 a crumb of sympathy in her utter misery and desolation, Viola caught her hand and looked up at her in mute appeal. But there was no relaxing of Olive’s sternly-set features as she loosed her hand from that despairing clasp and turned away. Viola just managed to get outside the door, but as it closed behind her, her powers’ failed: She leaned her head against the wainscot and buried her face in her hands, ‘¢ Miss Keith, I fear you are in great trouble. What can I do to help you?” . The voice belonged to John Thorold, and his was the kind hand laid upon hers. She looked up, trying to collect herself. ‘* You know all?” she asked, colouring. Yes; Miss Egerton has told me.” ‘¢ And you are willing to befriend one so utterly friendless ? ” SACS.” “Then help me to leave this house before another hour has gone by. Which is the best hotel here? Can you secure me rooms?” “‘T could do so, but perhapsI can arrange a better plan. Leave meto manage for you while you go upstairs and put your things together. I will come back.” She obeyed, for she felt powerless to think or plan for herself, and in the same tearless calm toiled through the long corridors to the room she had first entered with such bright hopes. There was no time to lose, and occupation staved off thought. In five minutes’ time the room was a scene of confusion. Drawers, wardrobes, stand- ing open—boxes half filled. A gentle tap at the door presently interrupted Viola’s labours, and to her wonder there appeared the bright face of Lady Evelyn. “Miss Keith, can I help you? Sybil says you are going away— this very evening, too! Oh! Miss Keith! I was with my aunt when Captain Kane’s letter came—was she very angry with you? I feel quite afraid of her when she looks so stern and grave !” Viola smiled faintly, but the coming of the loquacious young visitor shed just a ray of comfort upon her outer darkness of despair and loneliness, and her quick hands were helpful. Viola’s properties were nearly packed away by the time another interruption came in the shape of a kind little note from Miss Hammond. “DEAR Miss KeirH,—John has explained everything to me, and you must consent to come and occupy our spare room to-night and as long as you like afterwards. ‘The Archdeacon approves and every- thing is ready. John has promised to wait and bring you safely over to us. Yours very truly, “Mary ANN HAMMOND.” Wondering and grateful, Viola could not but accept an offer which | solved all her difficulties in the present, and would give her time to think and plan. She sent a hasty and thankful acceptance, and a — 6» CORNICHO© SS (CO)