Isabel's arm pressed her closer. "We are not going far away, darling. It will be better for you to be alone."
"I don't think so," said Dinah. "We shall be alone quite long enough on our honeymoon." She trembled a little in Isabel's hold. "I do wish you were coming too," she whispered.
"My dear, Eustace will take care of you," Isabel said.
"Oh yes, I know. But he's so big. He wants such a lot," murmured Dinah in distress. "I don't know quite how to manage him. He's never satisfied. If--if only you were coming with us, he'd have something else to think about."
"Oh no, he wouldn't, dear. When you are present, he thinks of no one else. You see," Isabel spoke with something of an effort, "he's in love with you."
"Yes--yes, of course. I'm very silly." Dinah dabbed her eyes and began to smile. "But he makes me feel all the while as if--as if he wants to eat me. I know it's all my silliness; but I wish you weren't going to the Dower House all the same. Shall you be quite comfortable there?"
"It is being done up, dear. You must come round with us and see it. We shall move in directly the wedding is over, and then this place is to be done up too, made ready for you. I believe you are to choose wall-papers and hangings while you are here. You will enjoy that."
"If you will help me," said Dinah.
"Of course I will help you, dear child. I will always help you with anything so long as it is in my power."
Very tenderly Isabel reassured her till presently the scared feeling subsided.
They went up later to the picture-gallery and joined Eustace whom they found smoking there. His mood also had changed by that time, and he introduced his ancestors to Dinah with complete good humour.
Isabel remained with them, but she talked very little in her brother's presence; and when after a time Dinah turned to her she was startled by the deadly weariness of her face.
"Oh, I am tiring you!" she exclaimed, with swift compunction.
But Isabel assured her with a smile that this was not so. She was a little tired, but that was nothing new.
"But you generally rest before dinner!" said Dinah, full of self-reproach, "Eustace, ought she not to rest?"
Eustace glanced at his sister half-reluctantly, and a shade of concern crossed his face also. "Are you feeling faint?" he asked her. "Do you want anything?"