She turned round at last, not knowing what to do; wondering, when your bridegroom does not tell you of a thing, what is your duty in the circumstances. To ask, or to hold your tongue? Grace was not jealous, or ready to take offence. And she was very anxious to do her duty. What ought she to do?
He folded up the letter, as he heard her move, and turned towards her, but without raising his eyes. His face was clouded and dark. He put it into his pocket, and they sat down and began to talk, but not as before, though of the same subject.
At last he said, abruptly, ‘I think I will go up to town, Grace. You suggested it, you know,’ as if he had altogether forgotten all that he had said, which she had chidden him for, and loved him for, all that pleasant nonsense about himself.
She was startled for a moment; then replied quietly, ‘Yes, Oliver, I do think it will be the best way--’
He continued hesitating--faltering. ‘It is not for that only, my darling. This letter--I am afraid I shall have to go: a--a friend of mine has got into trouble. I--can’t exactly tell what it is; but wants me to go.’
‘Oh, how sorry I am!’ said Grace. ‘Dear Oliver, it is natural people should turn to you when they are in trouble. Who is he? Do I know him? Has he written to you about--’
‘I don’t suppose--he--knows anything about it. It is a friend I haven’t heard of for a long time. Not one for you to know, but in great trouble. Dying, the letter says.’
‘Oh, Oliver, go--go at once. Not for the world would I keep you from a dying man. Don’t tell me any more than you wish, dear. But can I do anything--can I send anything? Is he--oh, Oliver, forgive me--is he poor?’
‘Forgive you?’ he said. He held her close to him with a strain which was almost violent, as if he could not let her go. Then he said, ‘No, my darling, you can do nothing. I may have helped to make things worse, and I am at the height of happiness, while this poor creature--this poor--’
‘Oh, Oliver, go and comfort him,’ she said, ‘Don’t lose a train; don’t come back to any good-bye. Go--go!’ Then while he hold her in his arms she said, smiling, ‘It need not be a very long parting, I suppose?’
‘Any parting is long that takes me from you, Grace.’
‘But it is for love’s sake. Good-bye. I’ll do all I can do, Oliver. I’ll pray for you--and him.’