Norton, Andre - Novel 23 Read Online Free PDF

Thus I am
deeply concerned about the poor child. If you would be obliging enough to be
her companion until we can find someone able to give her the care she
needs—"
                   "I have had no experience as a
nurse." Saranna took advantage of the first pause in Honora's flow of
words to object. Like her father, Honora apparently cultivated the art of talk
to the exclusion of any real give and take of conversation.
                   "Oh, I have given you the wrong
impression," Honora shook her head as if aghast at her mistake.
"Damaris is not ill. She is only one who needs to be talked out of the
strange fancies which she clings to. She has a very odd belief about a derelict
portion of the garden which we try not to allow her to dwell upon. In fact, if
you can keep her from roaming about there and persuade her not to believe in
her own imagined people, then you will succeed mightily. Who knows, perhaps you
may even work the miracle we have so long hoped for and banish Damaris' fancies
entirely.
                   "Much of her difficulties I truly believe is the fact that her early upbringing was too much
under the control of Captain Whaley. He had lived in China for many years as a representative of a
large shipping interest there. When he rebuilt Tiensin— “
Honora actually shivered a little, "well, he brought in all sorts
of queer heathenish things. He even imported servants from China —though he sent them back again years ago
when the house was finally completed. Richard always said the Manor was full of
what he called treasures—
                   "Unfortunately, Damans believes, too,
that these strange old things are precious. She has become very upset on
occasion when some have been moved, or stored away. And it has been necessary
to watch her if this happens, for she flies into an actual screaming rage. But
I know that you will be most careful, now that you have been warned.
                   "Really, you have nothing to fear. Mrs.
Parton has reported that Damaris has been very settled and docile since the
governess left, and I know that you will find her eager to learn. She does have
a quick mind. Too quick at times— especially when she builds upon something she
hears or thinks she sees and then swears that her dreams are true. Now—very
luckily, I have been able to arrange a way for you to reach Tiensin with the
least trouble. Mr. Fowke is going upriver on his private sloop taking some
supplies and workmen for the rebuilding of his own manor which is next to
Tiensin. He very kindly offered to let you travel with him. I believe he plans
to leave at ten. I am giving you Millie— she has not settled down well here in
the city. I think it is better that she be under Mrs. Parton's supervision for
a while again—"
                   As she spoke, Honora rolled her napkin and
inserted it into the silver ring near her plate.
                   "Such a busy morning—I have shopping to
do— “ Once more her gaze rested for a deprecating
second or two on Saranna's dress. "By the way, you have said you can sew—
there are some of my dresses in storage. Mrs. Parton will show you—feel free to
make good use of them. You will have time in plenty on your hands
upriver."
                   "But—" To have her immediate future
so finally and abruptly settled had left Saranna astounded. However, Honora was
already on her way out of the room. If she heard that first word of intended
protest, she was not going to admit it or wait for any refusal Saranna might
utter.
                   And how could she refuse, the girl admitted glumly to herself as she was left alone to face a now
fast-chilling plate of far too heavy food. She had to depend on the Stowells, and
both Jethro and Honora knew it. She had now no choice at all. Moodily she cut
off a small bite of ham and chewed it relentlessly, wishing she had an
efl&cacious way of