The Bird has got wings - стр. 28

Vivian looked at her cousin's face with interest, trying to determine whether he was lying about his love for her friend, but Anthony had such a calm and happy smile on his lips that she believed his words and sincerely congratulated him on his truly honourable choice. They were unable to discuss this savoury subject, however, for in a few minutes the carriage stopped and the coachman shouted loudly, "Here we are, ma'am!"

It is unnecessary to describe in detail how delighted Charlotte was when the butler brought her Mr. Cranford's card, and reported that Mrs. Wington had arrived with him. Leaping up from the table and dropping a letter to write to her parents in Denmark, Miss Salton sprang from her chambers and hastened to receive her guests.

– Vivian! – exclaimed the girl loudly, coming down the hall and enclosing her friend in a tight embrace. – You're here! I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me!

– Silly girl! How could I? – Vivian smiled broadly, hugging her back just as tightly. – Now get those thoughts out of your head!

As they hugged each other, they suddenly remembered Anthony, who was also in the hall, and must have been bored, watching their friends' joy and listening to their happy exclamations.

– Mr. Cranford! You have come back from the north to London! – Charlotte said in a friendly manner to her guest, not forgetting to give him a polite curtsy.

– Yes, Miss Salton, and I must say, "How wonderful it is to be home again!" – the latter replied with a smile.

"He really is in love with her! I've never seen his eyes shine like that!" – thought Vivian contentedly, watching her friend and her cousin with a happy smile.

Mrs. Wington was not mistaken: the young man's blue eyes suddenly turned into two shining lights, and in his gaze could be read an undisguised admiration. Anthony was desperate to touch his beloved, so he immediately suggested that they stroll through the dead Salton garden to feel Charlotte's warm hand on his elbow. In spite of the cold wind, both Charlotte and Vivian were glad of the walk, but first Miss Salton wished to go into her chambers to match her blue dress with a hat and gloves.

– Vivian, you must help me to choose! – said Charlotte, and seizing her friend by the palm of her hand, led her away. Then, still on the move, she turned to Anthony: "I beg your pardon, Mr. Cranford! We'll try to manage at least a quarter of an hour!

– As you say, Miss Salton! – He grinned good-naturedly, watching her with a tenderness that spilled into his breast and a heart full of love. He had already seen this girl as his wife, had seen her in his arms. But while his former feelings for Vivian had made him imagine passionate pictures, his love for Miss Salton painted in his mind homely scenes full of warmth and comfort. Anthony also noted the great change in Charlotte's appearance, and thought that this blue silk dress was very much to her advantage.

When they reached Miss Salton's chambers, she let Vivian in, then entered and closed the door behind her. Charlotte seated her friend on the sofa, took her palm in her own, and gazed anxiously at her face, so pale and haggard though Vivian smiled.

"She doesn't look like herself. How thin her face has become! And those circles under her pretty eyes? 'Vivian, my dear, good one! Now I know for certain that you are hiding something important from me!" – Miss Salton involuntarily thought.