"And let us make the most of that," said Ermine, quickly.
Meanwhile Alison, sore and sick at heart, wandered on the esplanade,
foreboding that the blow was coming that she ought to rejoice at, if her
love could only be more unselfish. At last the Colonel joined her, and,
as usual, his tone of consideration cheered and supported her when in
actual conference with him, and as he explained his plans, he added that
he hoped there would be scarcely any interruption to her intercourse
with her sister.
"You know," she said abruptly, "that we could go to Ekaterinburg."
"And what is your feeling about it? Remember, Ailie, that I am your
brother too." And as she hesitated, "your feelings--no doubt you are in
many minds!"
"Ah, yes; I never settled anything without Ermine, and she will not help
me now. And she has been so worn with the excitement and anxiety of all
this long detention of yours, that I don't dare to say a word that could
prey on her."
"In fact, you would chiefly be decided by Edward's own wishes."
"If I were sure of them," sighed poor Alison; "but he lives on
experiments, and can hardly detach himself from them even to attend
to Ermine herself. I don't know whether we should be a comfort or a
burthen, and he would be afraid to hurt our feelings by telling the
truth. I have been longing to consult you who have seen him at that
place in Russia."
"And indeed, Ailie, he is so wedded to smoke and calculations, and so
averse to this sublunary world, that though your being with him might be
beneficial, still I greatly question whether the risk of carrying poor
little Rose to so remote a place in such a climate, would be desirable.
If he were pining to have a home made for him, it would be worth doing;
as it is, the sacrifice would be disproportioned."
"It would be no sacrifice if he only wanted us."
"Where you are wanted is here. Ermine wants you. I want you. The Temples
want you."
"Now, Colin, tell me truly. Edward feels as I do, and Dr. Long spoke
seriously of it. Will not my present position do you and Ermine harm
among your friends?"
"With no friend we wish to make or keep!"
"If I do remain," continued Alison, "it must be as I am. I would not
live upon you, even if you asked me, which you have too much sense to
do; and though dear Lady Temple is everything to me, and wants me to
forget that I am her governess, that would be a mere shuffle, but if it
is best for you that I should give it up, and go out, say so at once."