"
"Thank you," was the cold reply.
"I have more than an excuse--a reason, and I think we shall be fully
agreed; but first you must let me have the pleasure of one look to
recall old times. It is such a treat to see you so unchanged. I
hope you do not still suffer."
"No, thank you."
"And are you always a prisoner here? Ah! I know your patience."
"What was the matter on which you wanted to speak to me?" said Mrs.
Poynsett, fretted beyond endurance by the soft, caressing tone.
"As I said, I should hardly venture if I did not know we agreed--
though perhaps not for the same reasons. We do agree in our love
and high opinion of your dear Frank!"
"Well!" repressing a shudder at the 'dear.'
"I am afraid we likewise agree that, under all circumstances, our
two young people are very unfortunately attached, and that we must
be hard-hearted, and let it go no further."
"You mean your sister?"
"My dear Lena! I cannot wonder! I blame myself excessively, for it
was all through my own imprudence. You see, when dear Frank came to
Rockpier, it was so delightful to renew old times, and they both
seemed such children, that I candidly confess I was off my guard;
but as soon as I had any suspicion, I took care to separate them,
knowing that, in the state of my poor father's affairs, it would be
most unjustifiable to let so mere a youth be drawn into an
attachment.
Pages:
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303