Master Henry's other five aunts live in one
great house, in a delightful country, with nothing to do but make
much of him all day long, yet it is averred that these said aunts are
a parcel of giddy young colts, amongst whom, if Henry escapes being
demolished as a baby he will infallibly be spoilt as he grows up.
Now, how are we to decide?'
'You have heard the true state of the case, Lily,' said Mrs.
Hawkesworth. 'I did not wish to harass papa by speaking to him till
something was settled; you are certainly old enough to have an
opinion.'
'Yes, Lily,' said Frank; 'do you think that the hospitable New Court
will open to receive our poor deserted child, and that these said
aunts are not wild colts but discreet damsels?'
Playful as Mr. Hawkesworth's manner was, Lily saw the earnestness
that was veiled under it: she felt the solemnity of Eleanor's
appeal, and knew that this was no time to let herself be swayed by
her wishes. There was a silence. At last, after a great struggle,
Lily's better judgment gained the mastery, and raising her head, she
said, 'Oh! Frank, do not ask me--I wish--but, Eleanor, when you see
how much harm we have done, how utterly we have failed--'
Lily's newly-acquired habits of self-command enabled her to subdue a
violent fit of sobbing, which she felt impending, but her tears
flowed quietly down her cheeks.
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