She would make this one
more attempt, but must make it with great care. When last in town
this young lord had whispered a word or two to her, which then had
set her hoping for a couple of days; and now, when chance had
brought her into his neighbourhood, he had gone out of his way,--
very much out of his way,--to renew his acquaintance with her. She
would be mad not to give herself the chance; but yet she could not
afford to let the plank go from under her feet.
But the part she had to play was one which even she felt to be
almost beyond her powers. She could perceive that Morton was
beginning to be jealous,--and that his jealousy was not of that
nature which strengthens a tie but which is apt to break it
altogether. His jealousy, if fairly aroused, would not be appeased
by a final return to himself. She had already given him occasion to
declare himself off, and if thoroughly angered he would no doubt
use it. Day by day, and almost hour by hour, he was becoming more
sombre and hard, and she was well aware that there was reason for
it. It did not suit her to walk about alone with him through the
shrubberies. It did not suit her to be seen with his arm round her
waist. Of course the people of Bragton would talk of the
engagement, but she would prefer that they should talk of it with
doubt. Even her own maid had declared to Mrs.
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