Mrs. Vyvian tried her best to counteract
these ideas; they had this one evil consequence--that neither
Lillian nor Beatrice would ever dream of even naming such
subjects to their mother, who should have been their friend and
confidante. If in the books Lady Earle sent there was any
mention of this love their mother dreaded so, they went to Mrs.
Vyvian or puzzled over it themselves. With these two exceptions
Dora had become a thoughtful, gentle woman. As her mind became
more cultivated she understood better the dishonor of the fault
which had robbed her of Ronald's love. Her fair face grew
crimson when she remembered what she had done.
It was a fair and tranquil womanhood; the dark eyes retained
their wondrous light and beauty; the curling rings of dark hair
were luxuriant as ever; the lips wore a patient, sweet
expression. The clear, healthy country air had given a delicate
bloom to the fair face. Dora looked more like the elder sister
of the young girls than their mother.
The quiet, half-dreamy monotony was broken at last. Mrs. Vyvian
was suddenly summoned home. Her mother, to whom she was warmly
attached, was said to be dying, and she wished her last few days
to be spent with her daughter.
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