As Squire of Bragton
he would seek some highly born bride, quite out of her way, whom
she could never know. And then she would see neither him--nor
Bragton any more. Would it not have been better that she should
have married Larry Twentyman and put an end to so many troubles
beside her own?
Again. she walked back with him to Dillsborough, passing as they
always did across the little bridge. He seemed to be very silent as
he went, more so than usual,--and as was her wont with him she only
spoke to him when he addressed her. It was only when he got out on
the road that he told her what was on his mind. "Mary," he said,
"how will it be with me if that poor fellow dies?"
"In what way, Mr. Morton?"
"All that place will be mine. He told me so just now."
"But that would be of course."
"Not at all. He might give it to you if he pleased. He could not
have an heir who would care for it less. But it is right that it
should be so. Whether it would suit my taste or not to live as
Squire of Bragton,--and I do not think it would suit my taste
well,--it ought to be so. I am the next, and it will be my duty."
"I am sure you do not want him to die."
"No, indeed. If I could save him by my right hand,--if I could save
him by my life, I would do it."
"But of all lives it must surely be the best.
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