And then Thorold made me eat with
him. I was sure I did not want it, but that made no
difference. Things were prepared for me and put upon my plate,
and a soft little command laid on me to do with them what I
was expected to do. It was not like the way Dr. Sandford used
to order me, nor in the least like Preston's imperiousness
which I could withstand well enough; there was something in it
which nullified all my power and even will to resist, and I
was as submissive as possible. Thorold grew very bright again
as the meal went on, and began to talk in a somewhat livelier
strain than he had been in before tea; and I believe he did
wile both his aunt and me out of the sad or grave thoughts we
had been indulging. I know that I was obliged to laugh, as I
was obliged to eat. Thorold had his own way, and seemed to
like it. Even his aunt was amused and interested, and grew
lively, like herself. With all that, through the whole supper-
time I had an odd feeling of her being on one side; it seemed
to be only Thorold and I really there; and in all Thorold was
doing and through all he was talking, I had a curious sense
that he was occupied only with me.
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