Page:The Semi-detached House.djvu/268

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260
THE SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE.

not 'denote him truly.' Now, what good reason have you for all this shew of distress?"

Willis was posed. He could hardly allege to Rachel, with whom he was really in love, that he was still inconsolable for the loss of a wife, for whom he had cared little while she was alive, and when he came to think what other griefs he had, he somehow could not recollect them at the moment; so he murmured something about a solitary home and Charlie's health, a great bereavement and a natural proneness to foresee the worst, &c.

"That is a misfortune, certainly," said Rachel, "many people would call it a fault. But dear little Charlie's health is improving daily, so there is one ray of happiness. With that kind cheerful set of people we have just left, who treat you like a son and brother, you can always find a home that is not solitary. As for your great bereavement, for which I heartily pity you, time must have done something for you, and as for the constant reference you constantly make