They drew
their chairs close to the fire, and began to talk, bending down
together; and Kate felt sure, that as her uncle at least knew she was
there, she need not interrupt. Besides, what they spoke of was what
she had longed to hear, and would never have dared to ask. Lord de
la Poer had been like a father to his friend's two sons when they
were left in England; and now the Colonel was telling him--as,
perhaps, he could have told no one else--about their brave spirit,
and especially of Giles's patience and resolution through his
lingering illness; how he had been entirely unselfish in entreating
that anything might happen rather than that his father should resign
his post; but though longing to be with his parents, and desponding
as to his chance of recovery, had resigned himself in patience to
whatever might be thought right; and how through the last sudden
accession of illness brought on by the journey, his sole thought had
been for his parents.
"And she has borne up!" said Lord de la Poer.
"As HE truly said, 'As long as she has anyone to care for, she will
never break down.' Luckily, I was entirely knocked up for a few days
just at first; and coming home we had a poor young woman on board
very ill, and Emily nursed her day and night."
"And now you will bring her to Fanny and me to take care of."
"Thank you--another time. But, old fellow, I don't know whether we
either of us could stand your house full of children yet.
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