Bressant

Chapter 21

PUTTING ON THE ARMOR.

Sophie, in her room, was moving about hither and thither, ostensibly to

put things in order, but really to make the time before her sister's

appearance pass the easier. She was little given to the manifestation of

impatience; but now, so much did she long to pour out her heart to her

sister on the subject of her love; to speak with a freedom which she

could use to no one else--not even to Bressant himself--and to receive

the full and satisfying measure of sympathy which she felt that only

Cornelia could give her--dear, loving, joyous Cornelia!--so much did all

these things press upon her, that she found waiting a very tedious

affair.

At last she heard Cornelia's step along the hall, and up the staircase.

It sounded more slow and listless than a few minutes