Read Online The Master of the Priory by Annie Haynes - Free Book Online

a sting was too strong for her.
    â€œI am sure she is,” she assented. “Nevertheless, I wish you could see her, Oswald, I wish your eyes were open, my dear cousin,” she ended with a stifled sob.
    Oswald felt supremely uncomfortable. Little as he cared for Sybil Lorrimer, she had been kind to him in the early days of his blindness. He had no wish to appear ungrateful. Nevertheless the slighting tone in which she habitually spoke of Elizabeth Martin grated upon him now, as always.
    â€œI certainly wish I could see Miss Martin or anyone,” he said, after a moment’s pause. “But, Sybil—I had not meant to mention it to you or anyone yet, but I think I must make you an exception—I went over to Saltowe last week and paid Dr. Maitland a visit.”
    â€œYes?” questioned Sybil eagerly.
    â€œHe says that I have made wonderful progress in the past two months; he wants to take me up to Town to see Sir William Chandler next week, then, if he is satisfied, a slight operation would have to be performed. I should have to go into a nursing home for a few days, and then, Maitland says, it would be a practical certainty that I should see all right again.”
    â€œOh, how glad I am for your sake!” Sybil exclaimed. She took his hand and held it a minute between her soft palms. “This is the best news in the world.”
    â€œThank you very much,” Sir Oswald said, trying to speak unconstrainedly, as, after giving her hand a cousinly pressure, he contrived to free his own.
    Sybil was busy with speculations as to how this intelligence would affect her. She did not doubt that it would effectually put an end to Miss Martin’s rivalry. No man with the use of his eyes could hesitate between her and the dowdy-looking governess, she agreed. Besides, the passing of Sir Oswald’s blindness would necessarily imply the close of his association with Miss Martin. She would be relegated to her proper place, Sybil said to herself viciously. Still, there remained the society round, into which an eligible parti such as Sir Oswald Davenant would be eagerly welcomed. Sybil decided that it behoved her to lose none of the time remaining.
    â€œWon’t you come out for a walk this lovely morning?” she said. “Do, Oswald. It would do you good.”
    He hesitated.
    â€œWell, Miss Martin and Maisie have gone down to Dr. Williams with a message. I promised to walk as far as the lodge to meet them. If you will be my escort instead of Perkins, I shall be most grateful.”
    Sybil’s brows were drawn together. She bit her underlip. This was not at all what she had meant, but she told herself she could not afford to refuse.
    â€œOf course I shall be delighted,” she returned. “I won’t be a moment putting on my hat, Oswald.”
    She was back almost as soon as she had promised, and they set off down the drive, Sybil exerting herself to keep up the inconsequent chatter which she fancied amused Sir Oswald. His attention wandered considerably, and she received some vague replies for which, perhaps unjustly, she blamed the governess, and which had the effect of renewing her wrath against that luckless individual.
    They had nearly reached the lodge gate when they caught sight of the two coming towards them. Warm though the day was, Miss Martin still wore her thick veil and her horn-rimmed glasses.
    Maisie greeted the new-comers joyfully and at once attached herself to her father. Sir Oswald dropped Sybil’s arm.
    â€œI think my daughter will be my guide,” he said playfully.
    Sybil had to acquiesce with a smile, but she was by no means rendered more amiable. She glanced at the governess, who was walking silently at Maisie’s side.
    â€œHow do you contrive to bear that thick veil this weather, Miss Martin! I should simply faint if I tried to walk about in one.”
    The attack was unexpected. The governess flushed hotly.
    â€œI am used to it. I do not