'Otherwise,' said my mother, 'I could bring about the marriage with
the little Chevalier. Annora has renounced her disobedient folly,
and would make no more resistance; but M. de Poligny, of course,
cannot proceed further till your brother is in condition to settle
the property on her.'
I asked in wonder whether my sister had consented, but my mother
seemed to think that the break with Darpent had settled that matter
for ever.
And when I saw my poor Annora, she was altered indeed. The bright
colour had left her cheeks, her eyes looked dim and colourless, her
voice had lost its fresh defiant ring; she was gentle, submissive,
listless, as if all she cared for in life had gone from her except
the power of watching Eustace.
He looked less ill than I had dreaded to see him. I think he felt at
rest after the struggle he had undergone to preserve the faith he
really loved. He had never relaxed his guard for a single moment
till the Duke of Gloucester had come, fearing that if he ceased his
vigilance, that might be done which we felt to be mercy, but which he
could not submit to. He always had a calmly resolute will, and he
knew now that he must avoid all agitation until he was able to bear
it; so he would not ask any questions. He only showed me that he was
glad of my return, pointed to Nan, saying: 'She has been sorely
tried, take care of her,' and asked me if I could find out how it
fared with Darpent.
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