He tells me
that the serious American is not popular here, whereas the joker is
much run after. Of that I must take my chance. In all this I am
endeavouring to do a duty,--feeling every day more strongly my own
inadequacy. Were I to follow my own wishes I should return by the
next steamer to my duties at home.
Believe me to be,
Dear Sir,
With much sincerity,
Yours truly,
Elias Gotobed.
CHAPTER XXV
Providence interferes
The battle was carried on very fiercely in Mr. Masters' house in
Dillsborough, to the misery of all within it; but the conviction
gained ground with every one there that Mary was to be sent to
Cheltenham for some indefinite time. Dolly and Kate seemed to think
that she was to go, never to return. Six months, which had been
vaguely mentioned as the proposed period of her sojourn, was to
them almost as indefinite as eternity. The two girls had been
intensely anxious for the marriage, wishing to have Larry for a
brother, looking forward with delight to their share in the
unrestricted plenteousness of Chowton Farm, longing to be allowed
to consider themselves at home among the ricks and barns and wide
fields; but at this moment things had become so tragic that they
were cowed and unhappy,--not that Mary should still refuse Larry
Twentyman, but that she should be going away for so long a time.
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