She swore to herself a thousand times that she did not
look down upon him because he was only a farmer, that she did not
think herself in any way superior to him. But it was impossible
that she should consent to be his wife. And then she thought of the
other man,--with feelings much less kind. Why had he thrust himself
upon her life and disturbed her? Why had he taught her to think
herself unfit to mate with this lover who was her equal? Why had he
assured her that were she to do so her old friends would be
revolted? Why had he exacted from her a promise,--a promise which
was sacred to her,--that she would not so give herself away? Yes;--
the promise was certainly sacred; but he had been cold and cruel in
forcing it from her lips. What business was it of his? Why should
he have meddled with her? In the shallow streamlet of her lowly
life the waters might have glided on, slow but smoothly, had he not
taught them to be ambitious of a rapider, grander course. Now they
were disturbed by mud, and there could be no pleasure in them.
She went on over the bridge, and round by the shrubbery to the hall
door which was opened to her by Mrs. Hopkins. Yes, Lady Ushant was
there;--but the young Squire was very ill and his aunt was then
with him. Mr. Reginald was in the library. Would Miss Masters be
shown in there, or would she go up to Lady Ushant's own room? Of
course she replied that she would go up-stairs and there wait for
Lady Ushant.
Pages:
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542