The New WardenRitchie, David G. (David George), Mrs.
General
The New Warden
Ritchie, David G. (David George), Mrs.
English fiction; Love stories; Mate selection -- Fiction; University of Oxford -- Fiction
She looked just a little serious, but otherwise there was no trace on
her blooming countenance of last night's tragedy. A little lump on her
head was all that remained to prove that she really had been frightened
and really and truly had stupidly thought there was something to be
frightened of. Gwen constantly put her finger up to feel the lump on her
head, and as she did so she thought agreeably of the Warden.
"You see I'm not a bit frightened," she said, and her cheeks dimpled.
"When I passed near the library, I thought of Dr. Middleton."
"You understand, don't you, Gwen," said Lady Dashwood, "that I don't
want any talk about 'a ghost,' even though, you are now quite sensible
about it. I don't think the Robinsons are silly, but Louise and the
other two are like children, and must be treated as such."
"Oh no," said Gwen, innocently, "I won't!" And she meant what she said.
It was true that she had just hinted at something, perhaps she even used
the word "ghost," to the housemaid that morning, but she had made her
promise faithfully not to repeat what she had heard, so it was all
right.
"We start at half-past ten," said Lady Dashwood.
Gwen said she would be punctual. Her face was full of mysterious and
subdued pleasure when she looked into the breakfast-room to see if by
any chance Mrs. Dashwood was still there. The girl's fancy was excited
by the Warden's behaviour last night. She kept on thinking of his face
in the lamp light. It looked very severe and yet so gentle. She was
actually falling in love with him, so she said to herself. The Barber's
ghost was no longer alarming, but something to recall with a thrill of
interest, as it led on to the Warden. She was burning to talk about the
Warden. She was so glad she had delivered her letter to the Warden. He
would be simply obliged to speak some time to-day. How exciting! Now,
was Mrs. Dashwood in the breakfast-room? Yes, there she was, standing in
the window with a newspaper in her hand.
"Oh, good morning," said Gwen, brightly. "I must thank you for having
been so awfully sweet to me last night. It was funny, wasn't it, my
getting that fright? I really and truly was frightened, till Dr.
Middleton came up and told me I needn't. Isn't he wonderful?" Here
Gwen's voice sank into a confidential whisper.
Mrs. Dashwood said "Yes" in a lingering voice, and she seemed about to
go.
"I do think he is the nicest man I have ever met," said Gwen hurriedly,
"don't you? But then, of course, I have reason to think so, after last
night. It must have looked queer, I mean to any one merely looking on.
How I _did_ sleep!" Then after a moment she said: "Don't you think he is
very good-looking? Now, do tell me, Mrs. Dashwood! I promise you I won't
repeat it."
"He is a very charming man," said May, "that is obvious."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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