Numerous were the questions put to her by her father and mother,
relative to the stranger whose identity with the American aunt they
scarcely doubted; and Archie was conscious of a bitter pang as he
reflected that she had been so near to him and yet had not tried to find
him. He had heard that she was expected in London, and he knew now how
strong had been the hope that he should meet her, and that she would do
something for him. He was so tired and so ashamed of the life he
led--now here, now there, now on the first floor, now on the fifth floor
back, now plenty now penury and absolute want, according to Daisy's
luck. For Daisy managed everything and bade him take things easy and
trust to her; but he would so much rather have staid quietly at
Stoneleigh with but one meal a day and know how that meal was paid for,
than to live what to his sense of propriety seemed a not very
respectable life. But he had lost his chance. The one who might have
made living at Stoneleigh possible had ignored him. She had been where
he was, and had not sought him, and his face was very gloomy that
evening as he sat in front of the hotel with Bessie in his lap, while
Daisy walked on the terrace with Lord Hardy and told him of the old
woman on the sands who must have been the American aunt.
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