They walked on by the river. They began to speak of their separate
plans. He would quicken his departure from England, and she would
remain where she was, at least as long as Helena remained. The
poor dear girls should have their disappointment broken to them
gently, and, as the first preliminary, Miss Twinkleton should be
confided in by Rosa, even in advance of the reappearance of Mr.
Grewgious. It should be made clear in all quarters that she and
Edwin were the best of friends. There had never been so serene an
understanding between them since they were first affianced. And
yet there was one reservation on each side; on hers, that she
intended through her guardian to withdraw herself immediately from
the tuition of her music-master; on his, that he did already
entertain some wandering speculations whether it might ever come to
pass that he would know more of Miss Landless.
The bright, frosty day declined as they walked and spoke together.
The sun dipped in the river far behind them, and the old city lay
red before them, as their walk drew to a close. The moaning water
cast its seaweed duskily at their feet, when they turned to leave
its margin; and the rooks hovered above them with hoarse cries,
darker splashes in the darkening air.
'I will prepare Jack for my flitting soon,' said Edwin, in a low
voice, 'and I will but see your guardian when he comes, and then go
before they speak together. It will be better done without my
being by.
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