like tiny penknives, and forcing from your lips, as you sit alone, sudden, insane-
sounding interjections.'
'Caroline!'
'I do think myself a fool, Shirley, in some respects: I do despise myself. But I said
I would not make you my confessor; for you cannot reciprocate foible for foible:
you are not weak. How steadily you watch me now! Turn aside your clear, strong,
she-eagle eye: it is an insult to fix it on me thus.'
'What a study of character you are! Weak, certainly; but not in the sense you
think. - Come in!'
This was said in answer to a tap at the door. Miss Keeldar happened to be near it
at the moment, Caroline at the other end of the room; she saw a note put into
Shirley's hands, and heard the words - 'From Mr. Moore, ma'am.'
'Bring candles,' said Miss Keeldar.
Caroline sat expectant.
'A communication on business,' said the heiress; but when candles were brought,
she neither opened nor read it. The Rector's Fanny was presently announced,
and the Rector's niece went home.
