But with a shiver that ran through all her frame, Miriam shrank closer
to Paul, who, with affectionate pride, renewed his care, and promised
that she should not slip again.
So link after link of the fearful evidence wound itself around her
consciousness, which struggled against it, like Laocoon in the fatal
folds of the serpent.
Now cold as if the blood were turned to ice in her veins, now burning as
if they ran fire, she was hurried on into the house.
They were expected home, and old Jenny had fires in all the occupied
rooms, and supper ready to go on the table, that was prepared in the
parlor.
But Miriam refused all refreshment, and hurried to her room. It was
warmed and lighted by old Jenny's care, and the good creature followed
her young mistress with affectionate proffers of aid.
"Wouldn't she have a strong cup of tea? Wouldn't she have a hot bath?
Wouldn't she have her bed warmed? Wouldn't she have a bowl of nice hot
mulled wine? Dear, dear! she was so sorry, but it would have frightened
herself to death if the carriage had upset with her, and no wonder Miss
Miriam was knocked up entirely."
"No, no, no!"
Miriam would have nothing, and old Jenny reluctantly left her--to
repose? Ah, no! with fever in her veins, to walk up and down and up and
down the floor of her room with fearful unrest.
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