Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/318

308 of it. I must, therefore, beg that hereafter, all familiar intercourse may cease between us; and if I still continue to treat you with civility, as if you were a woman worthy of consideration and respect, understand that it is out of regard for your cousin Milicent's feelings, not for yours."

Upon perusing this, she turned scarlet and bit her lip. Covertly tearing away the leaf, she crumpled it up and put it in the fire, and then employed herself in turning over the pages of the book and, really or apparently, perusing its contents. In a little while Milicent announced it her intention to repair to the nursery, and asked if I would accompany her.

"Annabella will excuse us," said she, "she's busy reading."

"No, I won't," cried Annabella, suddenly looking up and throwing her book on the table. "I want to speak to Helen a minute. You may go Milicent, and she'll follow in a while." (Milicent went.) "Will you oblige me, Helen?" continued she.