Page:The Semi-attached Couple.djvu/38

 There, you lie down on this sofa, and I will sit at this window, and pretend to read, while I cool my eyes. I won't speak another word; and if you fall asleep, so much the better, you will wake up quite in spirits again."

Helen threw her handkerchief over her eyes, and, leaning back on the sofa, seemed inclined to follow her sister's advice. Her sobs ceased; and Amelia sat quietly at the window, in the fond hope that her directions were all obeyed and that Helen was asleep.

In half an hour she saw Lord Teviot walking on the terrace below; he stopped under the window, and looked up at her.

"Is Helen there?" he said.

Amelia leaned forward, and, putting her finger to her lips, made signs to him to be silent.

"What is the matter? Is Helen not well. Lady Amelia?" he said, in a tone of vexation.

"Oh! bless the man," murmured Amelia, "why can't he hold his tongue? he will wake her. She's asleep—asleep, I tell you," putting her head quite out of the window, and speaking in a loud whisper.

"Who is it that you are talking to?" said Helen.

"There now, Lord Teviot, you have woke her. I told you how it would be, only nobody ever can be quiet. She was tired with that hot ride you took her."

"Well, ask her, Lady Amelia, if she will not come and sit in the shade a little while, she will find it much pleasanter than it was when we were riding."

"No; she says she is sorry, but she must keep quiet till dinner-time."

"Did you tell her it would be pleasanter?"

"Yes; but she don't seem to believe it."

"Ask her if I may come and visit her in her sitting-room.

"No; she says you are very good, but she does not wish