‘Yes.’
‘Is Fanny come for you?
‘Yes.’
‘I may as well accompany you a step of the way; not up to the Rectory, though, lest my old friend. Helstone, should shoot me from the window.’
He laughed and took his hat. Caroline spoke of unnecessary trouble; he told her to put on her bonnet and shawl. She was quickly ready, and they were soon both in the open air. Moore drew her hand under his arm, just in his old manner—that manner which she ever felt to be so kind.
‘You may run on, Fanny,’ he said to the housemaid, ‘we shall overtake you,’ and when the girl had got a little in advance, he enclosed Caroline’s hand in his, and said he was glad to find she was a familiar guest at Fieldhead: he hoped her intimacy with Miss Keeldar would continue; such society would be both pleasant and improving.
Caroline replied that she liked Shirley.
‘And there is no doubt the liking is mutual,’ said Moore; ‘if she professes friendship, be certain she is sincere; she cannot feign, she scorns hypocrisy. And, Caroline, are we never to see you at Hollow’s Cottage again?’
‘I suppose not, unless my uncle should change his mind.’
‘Are you much alone now?’
‘Yes; a good deal. I have little pleasure in any society but Miss Keeldar’s.’
‘Have you been quite well lately?’
‘Quite.’
‘You must take care of yourself. Be sure not to neglect exercise. Do you know, I fancied you somewhat altered—a little fallen away and pale? Is your uncle kind to you?’
‘Yes, he is just as he always is.’
‘Not too tender, that is to say; not too protective and attentive. And what ails you, then?—tell me, Lina.’
‘Nothing, Robert.’ But her voice faltered.
‘That is to say, nothing that you will tell me; I am not to be taken into confidence. Separation is then quite to estrange us, is it?’
‘I do not know; sometimes I almost fear it is.’
‘But it ought not to have that effect. “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days o’ lang syne?” ’
‘Robert, I don’t forget.’
‘It is two months, I should think, Caroline, since you were at the cottage.’
‘Since I was within it—yes.’
‘Have you ever passed that way in your walk?’