The adulteress

"That's so. He's been told you're here. He might remember tomorrow ... I think he was pleased to see you. You've done him good."

"He pressed my hand," I said.

"And he tried to speak. That's a good sign. Oh yes. Even though he mistook you for someone else. He was way back in the past. That was good ... very good."

"I'm glad I've seen him," I said. "I think I'll go to my room. I'm rather tired."

"Yes, do," said Jessie. "I'll come along with you just to make sure everything's all right. Doctor, light us to a candle will you."

There were candles in various places about the house in case they were needed. I later realized that the servants placed them there an hour before dusk and collected them in the mornings.

We found two on a chest along the corridor and I said good night to Dr. Cabel, who went downstairs, and Jessie and I went to my room.

She lighted the four candles which had been put there for my use and looked round the room.

"You'll sleep well," she said. "You must be well nigh exhausted. Nothing for tiring you like traveling. What did you think of him? Did you expect to see him like that?"

"You had told me," I said.

"When I think of what he was ... and now lying there ... it's tragic."

She blinked as though to hide a tear. I thought: Well, I suppose she is uneasy. If he died her comforts here would stop.

"If there's anything you should want," she said.

"Thank you."

"Well, then, I'll say good night."

She went out. I looked at the door. I saw the key was there.

I unpacked a few of my things. The room seemed full of shadows ... eerie, menacing even. I remembered vividly arriving here on that night ... before I had met Gerard ... before Lottie was conceived.

I locked the door and undressed. I tried to sleep but I found that impossible. There were too many memories here for my peace of mind; and I could not get out of my mind that of that poor old man lying there ... the gentle pressure of his fingers ... the name Carlotta ... slurred, barely audible.

The sun was streaming into my room when I awoke next morning. I had slept late.

Almost as soon as I opened my eyes a maid came in bringing hot water.

She said: "Mistress Stirling said to let you sleep on. She reckoned you was worn out."

"What time is it?"

"Eight of the clock, mistress."

And I usually rose at seven!

I dressed and went downstairs. Jessie was in the hall in conversation with Dr. Cabel.

"How is Lord Eversleigh this morning?" I asked.

"Not so well," said the doctor. "I think he was overexcited about your coming."

"I'm sorry."

"You mustn't be. He's delighted really ... but of course any excitement is not good for him. We'll go a little carefully. Leave him alone for today. He's sleeping now. I've given him something to steady him."

"I suppose I'd better not go in to dust round," said Jessie. And to me: "I do it myself. I don't want any of them girls banging around."

"Leave the dust for today," said the doctor.

"You'll be wanting breakfast," said Jessie to me, and I followed her into the winter parlor. There was oaten bread with ale and cold bacon. I noticed Jessie lick her lips as she surveyed it.

"You must be hungry. You must eat well while you're here. I know what it's like traveling. Never cared much for inn meals myself."

I ate a little of the bacon and the bread. It was good. Jessie's interest in food meant that she kept what we used to call a very good table.

"What will you do today?" I was asked.

"I'll go for a walk, I think. Perhaps I'll ride this afternoon. My horse needs some exercise. But I don't intend to go far. I want to be at hand in case my uncle wakes up and would like to see me."

"That's an excellent idea. He may remember last night ... on the other hand he may not."

"Well, I'll walk this morning. Just visit a few of the old haunts."

I went to see Jethro. I told him that I had seen my uncle and he was very relieved about that.

"Why, Jethro," I said, "I believe you thought he'd been spirited away."

"Well, not having seen him, mistress ..."

"He's very ill evidently. This Dr. Cabel seems a very efficient man. I was only allowed to see my uncle briefly. I hope, though, that I shall be able to be with him longer today ... perhaps I can have a little talk with him. He tried to speak."

"Well, I'm that relieved, Mistress Zipporah, and I hopes I done the right thing in bringing you here."

"You did, Jethro, and I can tell you I have felt a little happier knowing that you were here."

He was very pleased and told me that things were much as usual on the estate. Amos Carew kept a sharp eye on everything—just as he always had—and everything was running smoothly. Lord Eversleigh never had much say in the way things were done.

I said good-bye to Jethro and returned to the Court.

I dined there with Jessie and the doctor. He seemed to have accepted Jessie's position and after the meal he strolled out to the stables with me.