Page 86 - lady-chatterlys-lover

The child looked at her, with bold, dark eyes of scrutiny,
sizing her up, and her condolence.
’I wanted to stop with my Gran,’ said the little girl.
’Did you? But where is your Gran?’
The child lifted an arm, pointing down the drive. ‘At th’
cottidge.’
’At the cottage! And would you like to go back to her?’
Sudden, shuddering quivers of reminiscent sobs. ‘Yes!’
’Come then, shall I take you? Shall I take you to your
Gran? Then your Daddy can do what he has to do.’ She
turned to the man. ‘It is your little girl, isn’t it?’
He saluted, and made a slight movement of the head in
affirmation.
’I suppose I can take her to the cottage?’ asked Connie.
’If your Ladyship wishes.’
Again he looked into her eyes, with that calm, searching
detached glance. A man very much alone, and on his own.
’Would you like to come with me to the cottage, to your
Gran, dear?’
The child peeped up again. ‘Yes!’ she simpered.
Connie disliked her; the spoilt, false little female. Nev-
ertheless she wiped her face and took her hand. The keeper
saluted in silence.
’Good morning!’ said Connie.
It was nearly a mile to the cottage, and Connie senior
was well red by Connie junior by the time the game-keeper’s
picturesque little home was in sight. The child was already
as full to the brim with tricks as a little monkey, and so self-
assured.