Cranford

ill, as if she were going to faint, and signed to me to open the window.

‘Matilda, bring me my bonnet. I must go to those girls. God pardon me,
if ever I have spoken contemptuously to the Captain!’

Miss Jenkyns arrayed herself to go out, telling Miss Matilda to give the
man a glass of wine. While she was away Miss Matty and I huddled over
the fire, talking in a low and awestruck voice. I know we cried quietly
all the time.

Miss Jenkyns came home in a silent mood, and we durst not ask her many
questions. She told us that Miss Jessie had fainted, and that she and
Miss Pole had had some difficulty in bringing her round; but that, as
soon as she recovered, she begged one of them to go and sit with her
sister.

‘Mr. Hoggins says she cannot live many days, and she shall be spared
this shock,’ said Miss Jessie, shivering with feelings to which she
dared not give way.

‘But how can you manage, my dear?’ asked Miss Jenkyns; ‘you cannot bear
up, she must see your tears.’

‘God will help me—I will not give way—she was asleep when the news came;
she may be asleep yet. She would be so utterly miserable, not merely at
my father’s death, but to think of what would become of me; she is so