"
"But there's somebody else, Mrs. Masters.
"Who says so? I say there ain't nobody;--nobody. If anybody tells
you that it's only just to put you off. It's just poetry and books
and rubbish. She wants to be a fine lady."
"I'll make her a lady."
"You make her Mrs. Twentyman, and don't you be made by any one to
give it up. Go to the club with Mr. Masters now, and come here just
the same as usual. Come to-morrow and have a gossip with the girls
together and show that you can keep your pluck up. That's the way
to win her." Larry did go to the club and did think very much of it
as he walked home. He had promised to come on the Sunday afternoon,
but he could not bring himself to believe in that theory of books
and poetry put forward by Mrs. Masters. Books and poetry would not
teach a girl like Mary to reject her suitor if she really loved
him.
CHAPTER XXVI
Lady Ushant at Bragton
On the Sunday Larry came into Dillsborough and had "his gossip with
the girls" according to order;--but it was not very successful.
Mrs. Masters who opened the door for him instructed him in a
special whisper "to talk away just as though he did not care a fig
for Mary." He made the attempt manfully,--but with slight effect.
His love was too genuine, too absorbing, to leave with him the
power which Mrs. Masters assumed him to have when she gave him such
advice.
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