Wragge's
customary drowsiness after fatigue of any kind overcame her, and she
received her husband s orders to leave the room (taking care that she
left it "up at heel"), and to betake herself (strictly in the character
of Mrs. Bygrave) to bed. As soon as they were left alone, the captain
looked hard at Magdalen, and waited to be spoken to. She said nothing.
He ventured next on opening the conversation by a polite inquiry after
the state of her health. "You look fatigued," he remarked, in his most
insinuating manner. "I am afraid the journey has been too much for you."
"No," she said, looking out listlessly through the window; "I am not
more tired than usual. I am always weary now; weary at going to bed,
weary at getting up. If you would like to hear what I have to say to you
to-night, I am willing and ready to say it. Can't we go out? It is
very hot here; and the droning of those men's voices is beyond all
endurance." She pointed through the window to a group of boatmen idling,
as only nautical men can idle, against the garden wall. "Is there no
quiet walk in this wretched place?" she asked, impatiently. "Can't we
breathe a little fresh air, and escape being annoyed by strangers?"
"There is perfect solitude within half an hour's walk of the house,"
replied the ready captain.
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