The girls can go,--if they like it. But it
will be more fitting for papa and me to come to the church on the
morning."
"Why more fitting, mamma?"
"Well, my dear; it will."
"Dear mamma;--why,--why?"
"Of course, my dear, I am very glad that you are going to get such
a lift."
"My lift is marrying the man I love."
"That of course is all right. I have nothing on earth to say
against it. And I will say that through it all you have behaved as
a young woman should. I don't think you meant to throw yourself at
him."
"Mamma!"
"But as it has turned up, you have to go one way and me another."
"No!"
"But it must be so. The Squire of Bragton is the Squire, and his
wife must act accordingly. Of course you'll be visiting at Rufford
and Hampton Wick, and all the places. I know very well who I am,
and what I came from. I'm not a bit ashamed of myself, but I'm not
going to stick myself up with my betters."
"Then mamma, I shall come and be married from here."
"It's too late for that now, my dear."
"No;--it is not" And then a couple of tears began to roll down from
her eyes. "I won't be married without your coming in to see me the
night before, and being with me in the morning when I dress.
Haven't I been a good child to you, mamma?" Then the step-mother
began to cry also. "Haven't I, mamma?"
"Yes, my dear," whimpered the poor woman.
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