No more than Lady Caroline knew of the
presence in Frederick's life of Rose was Rose aware of the presence in
Frederick's life of Lady Caroline. What would each think? He didn't
know; he didn't know anything. Yes, he did know something, and that
was that his wife had made it up with him--suddenly, miraculously,
unaccountably, and divinely. Beyond that he knew nothing. The
situation was one with which he felt he could not cope. It must lead
him whither it would. He could only drift.
In silence Frederick ate his soup, and the eyes, the large
expressive eyes of the young woman opposite, were on him, he could
feel, with a growing look in them of inquiry. They were, he could see,
very intelligent and attractive eyes, and full, apart from the inquiry
of goodwill. Probably she thought he ought to talk--but if she knew
everything she wouldn't think so. Briggs didn't talk either. Briggs
seemed uneasy. What was the matter with Briggs? And Rose too didn't
talk, but then that was natural. She never had been a talker. She had
the loveliest expression on her face. How long would it be on it after
Lady Caroline's entrance? He didn't know; he didn't know anything.
But the genial man on Mrs. Fisher's left was talking enough for
everybody. That fellow ought to have been a parson.
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