Augusta had been with her, asking
whether anything could be done for her. "I care for nothing now, except my
child," Lizzie had replied. As the nurse and the lady's maid were both in
the room, Augusta, of course, could say nothing further. That occurred
after prayers, and while the tea was being made. When Augusta reached the
breakfast-room Lucy was cutting up the loaf of bread, and at the same
moment the old butler was placing a letter immediately under her eyes. She
saw the handwriting and recognised it, but yet she finished cutting the
bread. "Lucy, do give me that hunchy bit," said Nina.
"Hunchy is not in the dictionary," said Cecilia.
"I want it in my plate, and not in the dictionary," said Nina.
Lucy did as she was asked, but her hand trembled as she gave the hunch,
and Lady Fawn saw that her face was crimson. She took the letter and broke
the envelope, and as she drew out the sheet of paper she looked up at Lady
Fawn. The fate of her whole life was in her hands, and there she was
standing with all their eyes fixed upon her. She did not even know how to
sit down, but, still standing, she read the first and last words, "Dear,
dear Lucy,"--"Yours ever and always, if you will have me, F.
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