Page:The Semi-attached Couple.djvu/204

 "I wish you could persuade Sophia not to think herself ill," said Sir William; "indeed, nobody but herself does think so."

Lady Sophia gave a smile of resignation as if forgiving him for insulting her dying agonies, but added, in the most caressing tone, "Poor dear Willy, I wish I had better health for your sake. Do open the window, dear, I feel faint."

"Were not you rather surprised. Lady Eskdale," said Mrs. Douglas, "to find Lady Teviot returning to you so soon? it must seem as if she had never left you. It is really a consolation to know that we mothers are not to lose our children by their marrying: not that I expect my Sarah will ever come to Thornbank without Mr. Wentworth."

"No, I would advise you to keep him out of political life; it is a complete knock-up to all comfort. I had set my heart on having dear Teviot here for a comfortable long visit, as we had been hurried away from St. Mary's; but it was very nice of him to let Helen come."

"I saw in the papers that Lord Teviot was detained in town, and had been dining at Lord Portmore's."

"Yes, but we have had letters from him at Lisbon; and it was fortunate for Teviot in the meantime that the Portmores were detained in town, as theirs is almost the only house open just now."

"I own I should not think it good fortune to be thrown into Lady Portmore's society anywhere or anyhow," said Mrs. Douglas, sharply; "I dislike her extremely."

"Oh, poor thing! some people do not take to her; but she is rather a favourite with most of my family: my son and my nephew both like her."

"So she gave me to understand," said Mrs. Douglas, so drily that there was a pause.

"Are you counting your features, love?" said Lady