But when she was in her own room the
thoughtful look returned. "He is always so wise and right," she said
to herself. "He has only made one mistake--only one," and her face
was very grave; for no one, not even her chosen lover, knew how the
thought of Malcolm Herrick's patient sorrow oppressed Elizabeth's
tender heart.
Dinah had good reason to regret their postponed journey, for they
arrived at Oxford too late to see Cedric that night; but Malcolm was
at the station to receive them, and accompanied them to their
lodgings.
"I am glad you made up your mind to come," he said, as they drove
from the station, "for I shall be obliged to go up to town to-
morrow, and I feel happier to leave you in possession. I think
Cedric likes the idea of having you. He is not looking well, but one
must expect that; he has had rather a rough time of it. Oh, I forgot
to say that he cannot possibly be with you until nearly twelve
o'clock." Dinah tried not to give her sister a reproachful look when
Malcolm said this. Malcolm only waited to hear how they liked the
rooms he had taken before he went back to his hotel; but at their
earnest request he promised to have breakfast with them the
following morning, and also to take a later train, that they might
have time for a good talk.
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