They
would be too grateful to him.
So, after a day or two, he demanded of Eleonora whether her young
man had given her up, or what he meant by his coolness in not
calling? Lena answered the last count by explaining how unwell he
had been, and how his hearing might be lost by a renewal of his
cold. She was however further pressed, and obliged to say how
matters stood, namely, that they were engaged, but meant to wait.
Whereupon, Sir Harry, quite sincerely, poor old man, grew
compassionate and grandly benignant. The young people were prudent,
but he would come to their aid. His pittance added to theirs--even
now would set all things straight. He would never stand in the way
of their happiness!
Mrs. Poynsett had bidden Lena cast the whole on her shoulders. The
girl was too truthful and generous to do this, fond as she still was
of her father.
"No, dear papa," she said, "it is very kind in you," for she knew
that so he meant it, "but I am afraid it will not quite do. You see
Frank must be very careful in his situation--and I don't think so
quiet a way of life would suit you.
Pages:
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754