Grey had gone, "if
you will have nothing to eat or to drink, you must go to bed and see
what a sound night's rest will do for you. I am going to sit up a little
while to read, but I shall not disturb you."
"Good-night, then, Estelle," said Nina, rather languidly; "you have been
so kind to me!"
They kissed each other; then Nina opened the folding-doors, and
disappeared into her own room, while Estelle took up her book. It was
"Les Vacances de Camille" she had got hold of; but she did not turn the
pages quickly; there was something else in her mind. She was thinking of
Nina. She was troubled about her, in a vague kind of way. She had never
seen Nina look like that before, and she was puzzled and a little
concerned.
Suddenly, in this hushed stillness, she heard, or fancied she heard, a
slight sound that startled her; it came from the adjoining room.
Stealthily she arose and approached the door; she put her ear close and
listened; yes, she had not been mistaken--Nina was sobbing bitterly.
Estelle did not hesitate a moment; she boldly opened the door and went
in; and the first thing she beheld was Nina, just as she had left the
other room, now lying prone on the bed, her face buried in the pillow,
while in vain she tried to control the violence of her grief.
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