Had he given way, Albinia would have been strong, but there was no need to support to counteract the force of disappointment and grief, acting upon overwrought spirits, and a fatigued, exhausted frame.  Were these half-conscious looks and broken words all she had come for, all she should ever have of Gilbert?  This was the moment’s predominant sensation; she was past thinking; and though she still controlled herself, she cast a wild, piteous eye on her husband, and as he lifted her up, she sank on his breast, not fainting, not sobbing, but utterly prostrated, and needing all his support as he led her out, and laid her on a couch in the next room, speaking softly as if hoping his voice would restore her.  ’We had some faint hope of you; we knew you would wish it, so you see all is ready.  But you have done too much, my dear:  Maurice should not have let you travel so fast.’

‘No, no,’ said Albinia, catching her breath.  ’Oh! not to have come sooner!’ and she gave way to a violent burst of tears, during which he fondled and soothed her till she suddenly said, ’I did not come here to behave in this way!  I came to help you!  Edmund, what shall I do?’ and she would have started up.

‘Only lie still, and let me take care of you,’ said he.  ’Nothing could be to me like your coming,’ and she was forced to believe his glistening eyes and voice of tenderness.

‘Can you keep quiet a little while,’ said Mr. Kendal, wistfully, ’while I go to speak to your brother?  It was very good in him to come!  Don’t speak; I will come back directly.’

She did lie still, for she was too much spent to move, and the silence was good for her; for if the overwhelming sensation of grief would sweep over her, on the other hand, there was the remembrance of the look of peace, and the perception that her husband was not as yet so struck to the earth as she had feared.  He was not long in returning, bringing some coffee for her and for himself, and speaking with the same dreamy serenity, though looking excessively pale.  ‘Your brother told me to give you this,’ he said.  ’I am glad the colonel is under such care, for he is terribly distressed and not at all fit to bear it.  I could not make him go to bed all last night.’

‘You were up all last night, and many nights before,’ said Albinia; ‘and all alone!  Oh! why was I not here to help!’

‘Fred was a great comfort,’ said Mr. Kendal.  ’I cannot describe my gratitude to him.  And dearest—­’ He paused, and added with hesitation, ’I do not now regret the having come out alone.  After the first disappointment, I think that my boy and I learnt to know each other better.  If he had left me nothing but the recollection that I had been too severe and unsympathizing to win his confidence, I hardly know how I could have borne it.’

‘He was able to talk to you, then?’ cried Albinia.  ’That was what I always wished!  Yes, it was right, so it came right.  I had got between you as I ought not to have done, and it was well you should have him to yourself.’