No; I abstained from completing that inquiry at the time, and Iabstain from completing it here.
The end of the week came, and I and the children were left alone at Carsham Hall.
I took advantage of the leisure hours at my disposal to write to Sir Gervase; respectfully inquiring after his health, and informing him that I had been again most fortunate in my engagement as a governess. By return of post an answer arrived. Ieagerly opened it. The first lines informed me of Sir Gervase Damian's death.
The letter dropped from my hand. I looked at my little enameled cross. It is not for me to say what I felt. Think of all that Iowed to him; and remember how lonely my lot was in the world. Igave the children a holiday; it was only the truth to tell them that I was not well.