From the moment that she is Lady Rufford, she will love
him,--as she loves everything that is her own.
In spite of all his antecedents no one doubted his faith in this
engagement;--no one wished to hurry him very much. When the
proposition had been made and accepted, and when the hero of it had
gone off on his drag, Miss Penge communicated the tidings to her
friend. "I think he has behaved very wisely," said Lady Penwether.
"Well;--feeling as I do of course I think he has. I hope he thinks
the same of me. I had many doubts about it, but I do believe that I
can make him a good wife." Lady Penwether thought that her friend
was hardly sufficiently thankful, and strove to tell her so in her
own gentle, friendly way. But Miss Penge held her head up and was
very stout, and would not acknowledge any cause for gratitude. Lady
Penwether, when she saw how it was to be gave way a little. Close
friendship with her future sister-in-law would be very necessary to
her comfort, and Miss Penge, since the law-suit was settled, had
never been given to yielding.
"My dear Rufford," said the sister affectionately, "I congratulate
you with all my heart; I do indeed. I am quite sure that you could
not have done better."
"I don't know that I could."
"She is a gem of inestimable price, and most warmly attached to
you.
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