He
looked wistfully at Betty and said, "My little Aura! It is a kindly
thought. Her son must have writ of the child. But I had liefer she
had asked me for the sight of my old eyes."
"The question is," said Betty, in clear, incisive tones, "whether we
surrender Aurelia or your situation?"
"Nay, nay, Betty, you always do my cousin less than justice. She means
well by the child and by us all. Come, come say what is in your mind,"
he add testily.
"Am I at liberty to express myself, sir?"
"Of course you are. I had rather hear the whole discharge of your
battery than see you looking constrained and satirical."
"Then, sir, my conclusion is this. The young baronet has shown himself
smitten with out pretty Aurelia, and has spoken of tarrying on his
return to make farther acquaintance. My Lady is afraid of his going
to greater lengths, and therefore wishes to have her at her disposal."
"She proposes to take her into her own family; that is not taking her
out of his way."
"I am sure of that."
"You are prejudiced, like your poor dear mother--the best of women, if
only she could ever have done justice to her Ladyship! Don't you see,
child, Aurelia would not be gone before his return, supposing he should
come this way."
"His visit was to be for six weeks.
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