Nothing ever daunted her, nothing
ever made her dull or sad. Lillian was gentle and quiet, with
more depth of character, but little power of showing it; somewhat
timid and diffident--a more charming ideal of an English girl
could not have been found--spirituelle, graceful, and refined;
so serene and fair that to look at her was a pleasure.
Lady Earle often visited the Elms; no mystery had been made to
the girls--they were told their father was abroad and would not
return for many years, and that at some distant day they might
perhaps live with him in his own home. They did not ask many
questions, satisfied to believe what was told them, not seeking
to know more.
Lady Earle loved the young girls very dearly. Beatrice, so like
her father, was undoubtedly the favorite. Lord Earle never
inquired after them; when Lady Earle asked for a larger check
than usual, he gave it to her with a smile, perfectly
understanding its destination, but never betraying the knowledge.
So eleven years passed like a long tranquil dream. The sun rose
and set, the tides ebbed and flowed, spring flowers bloomed, and
died, the summer skies smiled, autumn leaves of golden hue
withered on the ground; and winter snows fell; yet no change came
to the quiet homestead in the Kentish meadows.
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