And he answered her in words that corresponded to the
look: "It may not prevent me, either, from losing the society of
still another."
Mrs. Penniman took herself off, with whatever air of depreciated
merit was at her command, and repaired to Catherine's room, where the
poor girl was closeted. She knew all about her dreadful night, for
the two had met again, the evening before, after Catherine left her
father. Mrs. Penniman was on the landing of the second floor when
her niece came upstairs. It was not remarkable that a person of so
much subtlety should have discovered that Catherine had been shut up
with the Doctor. It was still less remarkable that she should have
felt an extreme curiosity to learn the result of this interview, and
that this sentiment, combined with her great amiability and
generosity, should have prompted her to regret the sharp words lately
exchanged between her niece and herself. As the unhappy girl came
into sight, in the dusky corridor, she made a lively demonstration of
sympathy. Catherine's bursting heart was equally oblivious. She
only knew that her aunt was taking her into her arms. Mrs. Penniman
drew her into Catherine's own room, and the two women sat there
together, far into the small hours; the younger one with her head on
the other's lap, sobbing and sobbing at first in a soundless, stifled
manner, and then at last perfectly still.
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