A coolness had sprung up between the two cousins, and they had
not corresponded since they parted in August. The coolness dated
from what Charlotte would call "the flight to Rome," and in Rome
it had increased amazingly. For the companion who is merely
uncongenial in the mediaeval world becomes exasperating in the
classical. Charlotte, unselfish in the Forum, would have tried a
sweeter temper than Lucy's, and once, in the Baths of Caracalla,
they had doubted whether they could continue their tour. Lucy had
said she would join the Vyses--Mrs. Vyse was an acquaintance of
her mother, so there was no impropriety in the plan and Miss
Bartlett had replied that she was quite used to being abandoned
suddenly. Finally nothing happened; but the coolness remained,
and, for Lucy, was even increased when she opened the letter and
read as follows. It had been forwarded from Windy Corner.
"Tunbridge Wells,
September.
"Dearest Lucia,
"I have news of you at last! Miss Lavish has been bicycling in
your parts, but was not sure whether a call would be welcome.
Pages:
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226