Page:Shirley (1849 Volume 2).djvu/232

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
220
SHIRLEY.

Moore's, Mr. Helstone's, and the soldiers' service. Do that first!"

While the order was being executed, Shirley moved away from her friends, and stood at the hall-window, silent, unapproachable. When Mrs. Gill came back, she turned: the purple flush which painful excitement kindles on a pale cheek, glowed on hers: the spark which displeasure lights in a dark eye fired her glance.

"Let the contents of the larder and the wine-cellar be brought up, put into the hay-carts, and driven down to the Hollow. If there does not happen to be much bread or much meat in the house, go to the butcher and baker, and desire them to send what they have: but I will see for myself."

She moved off.

"All will be right soon: she will get over it in an hour," whispered Caroline to Mrs. Pryor. "Go up-stairs, dear madam," she added, affectionately, "and try to be as calm and easy as you can. The truth is, Shirley will blame herself more than you before the day is over."

By dint of a few more gentle assurances and persuasions, Miss Helstone contrived to soothe the agitated lady. Having accompanied her to her apartment, and promised to rejoin her there when things were settled, Caroline left her to see, as she said, "if she could be useful." She presently found that