She had never even inquired of herself whether she
herself were or were not especially a lady. But with all her
efforts to like the man,--because she thought that by doing so she
would relieve and please her father,--yet he was distasteful to
her; and now, since that walk home with him from Bragton Bridge, he
was more distasteful than ever. She did not tell herself that a
short visit, say for a month, to Cheltenham, would prevent his
further attentions, but she felt that there would be a temporary
escape. I do not think that she dwelt much on the suggestion that
Reginald Morton should be her companion on the journey, but the
idea of such companionship, even for a short time, was pleasant to
her. If he did this surely then he would forgive her for having
left him at the bridge. She had much to think of before she could
resolve how she should tell her tidings. Should she show the letter
first to her stepmother or to her father? In the ordinary course of
things in that house the former course would be expected. It was
Mrs. Masters who managed everything affecting the family. It was
she who gave permission or denied permission for every indulgence.
She was generally fair to the three girls, taking special pride to
herself for doing her duty by her stepdaughter;--but on this very
account she was the more likely to be angry if Mary passed her by
on such an occasion as this and went to her father.
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