In this letter Mary told as accurately as she
could the whole story of Larry's courtship, and was very clear in
declaring that under no possible circumstances could she encourage
any hope. But of course she said not a word as to any other man or
as to any love on her side. "Have you told her everything?" said
her father as he closed the letter.
"Yes, papa;--everything that there is to be told." Then there arose
within his own bosom an immense desire to know that secret, so that
if possible he might do something to relieve her pain;--but he
could not bring himself to ask further questions.
Lady Ushant on receiving the letter much doubted what she ought to
do. She acknowledged at once Mary's right to appeal to her; and
assured herself that the girl's presence would be a comfort and a
happiness to herself. If Mary were quite alone in the world Lady
Ushant would have been at once prepared to give her a home. But she
doubted as to the propriety of taking the girl from her own family.
She doubted even whether it would not be better that Mary should be
left within the influence of Larry Twentyman's charms. A
settlement, an income, and assured comforts for life are very
serious things to all people who have reached Lady Ushant's age.
And then she had a doubt within her own mind whether Mary might not
be debarred from accepting this young man by some unfortunate
preference for Reginald Morton.
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