But I may have to look to
you for something more. I feel as if something were going to happen."
"That's exactly what I said to Jasper this morning."
"And what did he say?"
"He only looked innocent--as if he thought I meant a fog or a storm."
"Heaven forbid--it isn't that! I shall never be good-natured again,"
Mrs. Nettlepoint went on; "never have a girl put on me that way. You
always pay for it--there are always tiresome complications. What I'm
afraid of is after we get there. She'll throw up her engagement; there
will be dreadful scenes; I shall be mixed up with them and have to look
after her and keep her with me. I shall have to stay there with her till
she can be sent back, or even take her up to London. Do you see all
that?"
I listened respectfully; after which I observed: "You're afraid of your
son."
She also had a pause. "It depends on how you mean it."
"There are things you might say to him--and with your manner; because you
have one, you know, when you choose."
"Very likely, but what's my manner to his? Besides, I _have_ said
everything to him. That is I've said the great thing--that he's making
her immensely talked about."
"And of course in answer to that he has asked you how you know, and
you've told him you have it from me.
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