Puzzled and curious, she went next to her nephew, whom she found dressed
and in his sea-chair, which had been brought into his state-room. He was
better, and was going on deck as soon as the steward could come and help
him. Sitting down beside him, Lucy began rather abruptly:
"I have heard you talk a great deal of Neil McPherson, whose father is
brother to Miss Betsey McPherson, of Allington, and I have heard you
speak of a Bessie McPherson. Do you know where she is?"
Grey's face was white as marble, while a spasm of pain passed over his
features as he said: "Oh, Aunt Lucy, you do not know how you hurt me
Why did you speak of her?"
"Because I have a suspicion that she is on the ship," Lucy replied; but
Grey shook his head mournfully as he said to her:
"That is impossible; Bessie is dead. She died in Rome last spring. She
was sick with the fever all the time we were there, and I was with her
every day, but did not tell you, as I knew you would be so anxious for
me. And when she died I could not talk of her to any one.
Pages:
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661