But she received a shock one Sunday. She had been nervous all
the week, she could not tell why, and others remarked how her face had
taken on a new sensitiveness, a delicate anxiety, and that her strength
was not what it had been. As, for instance, after riding she required to
rest, a thing before unknown, and she often lay down for an hour before
dinner. Then, too, at table once she grew suddenly pale and swayed
against Edward Lambert, who was sitting next to her. She would not,
however, leave the table, but sat the dinner out, to Frank's
apprehension. He was devoted, but it was clear to Marion and her mother
at least that his attentions were trying to her. They seemed to put her
under an obligation which to meet was a trial. There is nothing more
wearing to a woman than affectionate attentions from a man who has claims
upon her, but whom she does not love. These same attentions from one who
has no claims give her a thrill of pleasure. It is useless to ask for
justice in such a matter.
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