CHAPTER ELEVEN

The Minister Again

Three weeks passed. Mrs Graham and I were now dear friends—or brother and sister as we often said. She called me Gilbert, which I adored, and I called her Helen; I had once seen her name written in her books. I dared not go visit her more than twice a week.

"Where are you going, Gilbert?" asked Rose one evening.

"To take a walk," I replied.

"Do you always dress so well and brush your hair to take a walk?" she paused, "You're going to Wildfell Hall, aren't you?"

"Of course not! I haven't been there in six weeks! Why are you so interested in my visits to Wildfell Hall?"

"I've heard so much about her lately. The minister and the Wilsons, besides Mamma, speak of her often. They say she is not a proper lady."

"I suppose if I did not know her, I would believe those lies, but I do know her. You shouldn't believe such things, Rose."

"Oh, Gilbert! You know nothing of her former life! Eliza Millward and Jane Wilson have told me that you go to visit Mrs Graham. They often secretly watch you as you go."

At that moment, the minister entered the room. He cheerfully greeted Rose, then turned to me with a cruel look.

"Well, sir!" said he, "you haven't come for a visit in over six weeks!"

"Ah! I have been busy," I apologised.

Just then, my mother came in to greet the minister.

"I've gone to see Mrs Graham today," he told them.

"Really!" exclaimed my mother.

"She was quite cold, indeed. She refused to discuss anything about her life. I left, and will not return. My daughters will certainly not visit with her any longer. I suggest that you forbid your daughter from such visits, as well. As for your sons—as for you, young man," he said as he turned to me.

"As for me, sir," I began, but stopped. I immediately left the house. I walked in the direction of Wildfell Hall, although I did not know why. I had to see her, and speak to her.

(end of section)