But, as he read Dolly's
note, there came back something of life into his eyes. He had
forsworn the club, but would certainly go when thus invited. He
wrote a scrawl to Dolly, "I'll come," and, having sent it off by
the messenger, tried to trust that there might yet be ground for
hope. Mrs. Masters would not have allowed Dolly to send such a
message without good reason.
On the Friday Mrs. Masters could not abstain from proposing that
Mary's visit to Cheltenham should be regarded as altogether out of
the question. She had no new argument to offer,--except this last
interposition of Providence in her favour. Mr. Masters said that he
did not see why Mary should not return with Lady Ushant. Various
things, however, might happen. John Morton might die, and then who
could tell whether Lady Ushant would ever return to Cheltenham? In
this way the short-lived peace soon came to an end, especially as
Mrs. Masters endeavoured to utilize for general family purposes
certain articles which had been purchased with a view to Mary's
prolonged residence away from home. This was resented by the
attorney, and the peace was short-lived.
On the Saturday Larry came, to the astonishment of Mr. Masters, who
was still in his office at half-past seven. Mrs. Masters at once
got hold of him and conveyed him away into the sacred drawing-room.
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