The servant entered--one that did not know Hadrian.
'Come and see my father,' said Cousin Matilda.
In the hall they roused Cousin Emmie like a partridge from cover. She was
on the stairs pushing the bright stair-rods into place. Instinctively her
hand went to the little knobs, her front hair bobbed on her forehead.
'Why!' she exclaimed, crossly. 'What have you come today for?'
'I got off a day earlier,' said Hadrian, and his man's voice so deep and
unexpected was like a blow to Cousin Emmie.
'Well, you've caught us in the midst of it,' she said, with resentment.
Then all three went into the middle room.
Mr. Rockley was dressed--that is, he had on his trousers and socks--but
he was resting on the bed, propped up just under the window, from whence
he could see his beloved and resplendent garden, where tulips and
apple-trees were ablaze. He did not look as ill as he was, for the water
puffed him up, and his face kept its colour. His stomach was much
swollen. He glanced round swiftly, turning his eyes without turning his
head. He was the wreck of a handsome, well-built man.
Seeing Hadrian, a queer, unwilling smile went over his face. The young
man greeted him sheepishly.
'You wouldn't make a life-guardsman,' he said. 'Do you want something to
eat?'
Hadrian looked round--as if for the meal.
'I don't mind,' he said.
'What shall you have--egg and bacon?' asked Emmie shortly.
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