Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/219

Rh was united with almost feminine beauty. It was of a kind too fragile for lasting. The large blue eyes seemed full of light; but the lips were feverish, and the rich colour on the cheek, hectic. "He was my only boy," said the duchess; and Ethel saw that the curved mouth was tremulous with suppressed emotion; and the eyes filled for a moment with unshed tears. After this, she had not even the inclination to smile at what her grace said was the occupation of her leisure hours. She undrew a curtain, and there were two wax-work figures, arrayed in robes of state, glittering with tissue and embroidery. "They are destined, when finished, for Westminster Abbey," added his mother, with all her former stateliness. They then adjourned to the reception-room: the duchess resumed her seat under the canopy; the damsels in waiting ranged themselves on either side; and a page brought in a massive gold salver, with chocolate, seed-cake, and canary. The refreshments over, they took their leave, were ushered in great form to their