And since matters have gone to such a length, I, as a woman
who has seen more of the world than you have, my dear good Betty,
think it expedient that the Friar and his charmer should be made
one without loss of time. _We_ know her to be innocence itself,
and him for a very Sidney for honour, but the world--"
"It is your doing, madam," exclaimed Betty, passionately, completely
overset by the insinuation; "you bid us trust you, and then confess
that you have exposed my sweet sister to be vilely slandered! Oh
my Aurelia, why did I let you out of my sight?" she cried, while hot
tears stood in her eyes.
"I know your warmth, my dear," said Lady Belamour with perfect command
of temper; "I tell you I blame myself for not having recollected that
a lovely maiden can tame even a savage brute, or that even in the sweet
rural country walls have ears and trees have tongues. Not that any
harm is done so far, nor ever will be; above all if your good father
do not carry his romantic sentiments so far as to be his ruin a second
time. Credit me, Betty, they will not serve in any world save the
imaginary one that crazed Don Quixote. What advantage can the pretty
creature gain? She is only sixteen, quite untouched by true passion.
She will obtain a name and fortune, and become an old man's idol for
a few years, after which she will probably be at liberty by the time
she is of an age to enjoy life.
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