Page:The Europeans (1st edition) Volume 2.djvu/196

 madam," she said. "I must remember that your strength is precious."

Mrs. Acton took her hand and held it a moment. "Well, you have been happy here, haven't you? And you like us all, don't you? I wish you would stay," she added, "in your beautiful little house."

She had told Eugenia that her waitingwoman would be in the hall, to show her down-stairs; but the large landing outside her door was empty, and Eugenia stood there looking about. She felt irritated; the dying lady had not "la main heureuse. She passed slowly down-stairs, still looking about. The broad staircase made a great bend, and in the angle was a high window, looking westward, with a deep bench,