And then there was something said as to their own prospects in life. Lucy
at once and with vehemence declared that she did not look for or expect an
immediate marriage. She did not scruple to tell him that she knew well how
difficult was the task before him, and that it might be essential for his
interest that he should remain as he was for a year or two. He was
astonished to find how completely she understood his position, and how
thoroughly she sympathised with his interests. "There is only one thing I
couldn't do for you," she said.
"And what is the one thing?"
"I couldn't give you up. I almost thought that I ought to refuse you
because I can do nothing--nothing to help you. But there will always come
a limit to self-denial. I couldn't do that! Could I?"
The reader will know how this question was answered, and will not want to
be told of the long, close, clinging, praiseworthy kiss with which the
young barrister assured her that would have been on her part an act of
self-denial which would to him have been absolutely ruinous. It was
agreed, however, between them, that Lady Fawn should be told that they did
not propose to marry till some time in the following year, and that she
should be formally asked to allow Lucy to have a home at Fawn Court in the
interval.
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