“Wednesday,--all the better, my dear child; another day gained. I say, Beattie,” cried he in a louder tone, “I cannot have fallen into the pitiable condition the newspapers describe, or I could never have gained this victory over my selfishness. Come, sir, be frank enough to own that where a man combats himself, he asserts his identity. Haire will go out and give that as his own,” muttered he; and as he smiled, he lay back, his breathing grew heavier and longer, and he sank into a quiet sleep. CHAPTER XXXIX. SOME CONJUGAL COURTESIES “You have not told me what she wrote to you,” said Sewell to his wife, as he smoked his cigar at one side of the fire while she read a novel at the other. It was to be their last evening at the Nest; on the morrow they were to leave it for the Priory. “Were there any secrets in it, or were there allusions that I ought not to see?” “Not that I remember,” said she, carelessly. “What about our coming? Does the old man seem to wish for it?--how does she herself take it?” “She says nothing on the subject, beyond her regret at not being there to meet us.” “And why can't she?--where will she be?” “At sea, probably, by that time. She goes off to Sardinia to her brother.” “What! do you mean to that fellow who is living with Fossbrooke? Why did n't you tell me this before?” “I don't think I remembered it; or, if I did, it's possible I thought it could not have much interest for you.” “Indeed, Madam! do you imagine that the only things I care for are the movements of _your_ admirers? Where 's this letter? I 'd like to see it.” “I tore it up. She begged me to do so when I had read it.” “How honorable! I declare you ladies conduct your intercourse with an integrity that would be positively charming to think of if only your male friends were admitted to any share of the fair dealing. Tell me so much as you can remember of this letter.” “She spoke of her brother having had a fever, and being now better, but so weak and reduced as to require great care and attention, and obliged to remove for change of air to a small island off the coast.” “And Fossbrooke,--does she mention _him?_” “Only that he is not with her brother, except occasionally: his business detains him near Cagliari.” “I hope it may continue to detain him there! Has this-young woman gone off all alone on this journey?” “She has taken no maid. She said it might prove inconvenient to her brother; and has only an old family servant she calls Nicholas with her.” “So, then, we have the house to ourselves so far. She 'll not be in a hurry back, I take it. Anything would be better than the life she led with her grandfather.” “She seems sorry to part with him, and recurs three or four times to his kindness and affection.”