I
am ready to jump out of my skin for joy. I love him! I love him! I love
him!" she cried, with a childish pleasure in repeating the words. They
were echoed by a heavy sigh. Blanche instantly looked up into Anne's
face. "What's the matter?" she asked, with a sudden change of voice and
manner.
"Nothing."
Blanche's observation saw too plainly to be blinded in that way.
"There _is_ something the matter," she said. "Is it money?" she added,
after a moment's consideration. "Bills to pay? I have got plenty of
money, Anne. I'll lend you what you like."
"No, no, my dear!"
Blanche drew back, a little hurt. Anne was keeping her at a distance for
the first time in Blanche's experience of her.
"I tell you all my secrets," she said. "Why are _you_ keeping a secret
from _me?_ Do you know that you have been looking anxious and out of
spirits for some time past? Perhaps you don't like Mr. Brinkworth? No?
you _do_ like him? Is it my marrying, then? I believe it is! You fancy
we shall be parted, you goose? As if I could do without you! Of course,
when I am married to Arnold, you will come and live with us. That's
quite understood between us--isn't it?"
Anne drew herself suddenly, almost roughly, away from Blanche, and
pointed out to the steps.
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