It would only have involved you in perplexities innumerable,
and might have led even to bloodshed! I may not have acted wisely,
but weak women in difficulties know not which path to choose."
"There is always the straight one," said he.
"Ah! you strong men can easily says so, but for us poor much-tried
women! However," she said suddenly changing her tone, "Love has
check-mated us, and I rejoice. Your daughter will support the credit
of the name! I am glad the new Lady Belamour will not be that little
termagant milkmaid Belle, whom circumstances compelled me to inflict
upon my poor boy! The title will be your daughter's alone. I have
promised my husband that in the New World I will sink into plain Mrs.
Wayland." Then with a burst of genuine feeling she exclaimed, "He
_is_ a good man, Harry."
"He is indeed, Urania, I believe you will yet be happier than you have
ever been."
"What, among barbarians who never saw a loo-table, and get the modes
three months too late! And you are laughing at me, but see I am a
poor frivolous being, not sufficient to myself like your daughters!
They say Aurelia was as sprightly as a spring butterfly all the time
she was shut up at Bowstead with no company save the children and old
Belamour!"
"They are lovely children, madam, Aurelia dotes on them, and you will
soon find them all you need.
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