You are
sure you have not?"
"I was wrong, father; I went to a Retreat with Lady Susan."
"A what? Some of Lady Susan's little poperies, eh? I can't scold
you, child, now I've got you; only have your letters forwarded
another time," said Sir Harry, placable as usual when alone with
Lenore.
Fears of infection for her did not occur to him. Mr. M'Vie held the
non-contagion theory, and helpless selfishness excluded all thoughts
of keeping his daughter at a distance. He clung to her as he used
to do in former days, before Camilla had taken possession of him,
and could not bear to have her out of reach. In the sick-room she
was of disappointingly little use. The nurse was a regular
professional, used to despotism, and resenting her having brought
home any one with her, and she never permitted Miss Vivian's
presence, except when the patient's anxiety made it necessary to
bring her in; and when admitted, there was nothing to be done but to
sit by Camilla, and now and then answer the weary disjointed talk,
and, if it grew a little livelier, the warning that Lady Tyrrell was
getting excited was sure to follow.
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