Arthur hired a little cottage in
Hampshire, opposite the Isle of Wight, hoping that amid the most
charming, restful scenery in England she would quickly regain her
strength; and as soon as it was possible Susie took her down. But she was
much altered. Her gaiety had disappeared and with it her determination.
Although her illness had been neither long nor serious, she seemed as
exhausted, physically and mentally, as if she had been for months at the
point of death. She took no interest in her surroundings, and was
indifferent to the shady lanes through which they drove and to the
gracious trees and the meadows. Her old passion for beauty was gone, and
she cared neither for the flowers which filled their little garden nor
for the birds that sang continually. But at last it seemed necessary to
discuss the future. Margaret acquiesced in all that was suggested to her,
and agreed willingly that the needful steps should be taken to procure
her release from Oliver Haddo. He made apparently no effort to trace her,
and nothing had been heard of him.
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