I do not think he
thinks of it. He is not like that."
"Men do consider such things. And they are only cousins; and they
have never known each other! Oh, Mary!"
"What are you thinking of, Lady Ushant?"
"Men ought not to care for money or position, but they do. If he
comes here, all that I have will be yours."
"Oh, Lady Ushant!"
"It is not much but it will be enough."
"I do not want to hear about such things now."
"But you ought to be told. Ah, dear;--if it could be as I wish!"
The imprudent, weak-minded, loving old woman longed to hear a tale
of mutual love,--longed to do something which should cause such a
tale to be true on both sides. And yet she could not quite bring
herself to express her wish either to the man or to the woman.
Poor Mary almost understood it, but was not quite sure of her
friend's meaning. She was, however, quite sure that if such were
the wish of Lady Ushant's heart, Lady Ushant was wishing in vain.
She had twice walked back to Dillsborough with Reginald Morton, and
he had been more sedate, more middle-aged, less like a lover than
ever. She knew now that she might safely walk with him, being sure
that he was no more likely to talk of love than would have been old
Dr. Nupper had she accepted the offer which he had made her of a
cast in his gig. And now that Reginald would probably become Squire
of Bragton it was more impossible than ever.
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