Her
father would not attempt it, and it was, after all, to her father
alone, that she was bound by duty. At the moment she could make no
reply, and then her father with the two girls came in from the
office.
The attorney was still a little radiant with his triumph about the
cheque and was also pleased with his own discernment in the matter
of Goarly. He had learned that morning from Nickem that Goarly had
consented to take 7s. 6d. an acre from Lord Rufford and was
prepared to act "quite the honourable part" on behalf of his
lordship. Nickem had seemed to think that the triumph would not end
here, but had declined to make any very definite statements. Nickem
clearly fancied that he had been doing great things himself, and
that he might be allowed to have a little mystery. But the attorney
took great credit to himself in that he had rejected Goarly's case,
and had been employed by Lord Rufford in lieu of Goarly. When he
entered the parlour he had for the moment forgotten Larry
Twentyman, and was disposed to greet his girl lovingly;--but he
found her dissolved in bitter tears. "Mary, my darling, what is it
ails you?" he said.
"Never mind about your darling now, but come to breakfast. She is
giving, herself airs,--as usual."
But Mary never did give herself airs and her father could not
endure the accusation.
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