She responded by putting her own into his.
"My talisman!" he said. "It has been my talisman of success many a
time. I have laid my hand on it, and thought I was working for you.
Mine! mine! mine! Waters cannot quench love--never fear."
"Hush!" as the light of the opening hall door was seen, and Lady
Tyrrell's voice was heard, saying, "I thought we passed her; I am
sure she was near."
Eleonora withdrew her arm, patted Frank back, waved him into
silence, and went forward, saying, "Here I am, Camilla; I walked
home."
Her voice was calm and self-contained as ever--the unassailable
dignity just as usual. The hall was full of officers, standing
about the fire and drinking tea, and Eleonora's well-worn armour was
instantly on, as her sister asked where she had been, since others
had walked home and had not overtaken her.
"I came by the lower road," said she.
"Indeed! I never saw you."
"I saw you pass--or rather heard you."
"And did not let me pick you up! Did you hide yourself?"
"It was much warmer to walk."
"So you seem to have found it, to judge by your cheeks," said Lady
Tyrrell.
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