" That was what she
would have to say, but she doubted her own courage to put her story
into words so curt and explanatory. Even at thirty 400 pounds a
year has not the charms which accompany it to eyes which have seen
sixty years. She remained in town that night and the next day, and
went down by train to Basingstoke on the following morning with her
heart not altogether free from trepidation.
Lord Rufford, the very moment that the interview was over, started
off to his lawyer. Considering how very little had been given to
him the sum he was to pay was prodigious. In his desire to get rid
of the bore of these appeals, he had allowed himself to be
foolishly generous. He certainly never would kiss a young lady in a
carriage again,--nor even lend a horse to a young lady till he was
better acquainted with her ambition and character. But the word had
gone from him and he must be as good as his word. The girl must
have her 8,000 pounds and must have it instantly. He would put the
matter into such a position that if any more interviews were
suggested, he might with perfect safety refer the suggester back to
Miss Trefoil. There was to be secrecy, and he would be secret as
the grave. But in such matters one's lawyer is the grave. He had
proposed that two lawyers should arrange it. Objection had been
made to this, because Lady Augustus had no lawyer ready;--but on
his side some one must be employed.
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