"He was not so very much advanced."

"Enough not to like the 'Pursuivant' to lie about, nor her writing
for it, even about art or books; nor did his old bones enjoy the
rivers at Vale Leston. Now you will see a rebound."

"Or will she be too tender of him to do what he disliked?"

"That will be the test. Now she has Clement, I expect an article
will come on the first book they read together."

Lance laughed, but returned to defend his sister.

"Indeed she was attached to him. She was altogether drooping and
crushed at Vale Leston in the autumn."

"It was too soon. She was overdone with the multitudes, and in fact
it was more the renewal of the old sorrow than the new one. Anna
tells me that when they returned there was the same objectless
depression. She would not take up her painting again, she said it
was of no use, there was no one to care. I remember her being asked
once to do something for the Kyrle Society, and Mr. Grinstead did not
like it, but now Clement's illness has made a break, and in a new
place, with him to occupy her instead of only that dawdling boy, you
will see what you shall see!"

"Ah! Gerald!" was the answer, in a doubtful, wistful tone, just as
they arrived.