I wouldn't be saddled with it
for all Belforest."
"Don't call her any more names, my dear! I only wish any one would
represent to her the predicament she keeps Allen in. He can't press
for an answer, of course; but it is cruel to keep him in this
suspense. I wonder Mrs. Evelyn did not make her write.
"I don't suppose it entered her mind that the little wretch (beg your
pardon) had not done it of her own accord, and with those Folliotts
there's no chance. They live in a perpetual whirl, enough to
distract an Archbishop. Twenty-four parties a week at a moderate
computation."
"Unlucky child!"
"Wakefield is heartily vexed at her having run into such hands," said
Jock; "but there is no hindering it, no one has any power, and even
if he had, George Gould is a mere tool in his wife's hands."
"Still, Mr. Wakefield might insist on her answering Allen one way or
the other. Poor fellow! I don't think it would cost her much, for
she was too childish ever to be touched by that devotion of his. I
always thought it a most dangerous experiment, and all I wish for now
is that she would send him a proper dismissal, so that his mind might
be settled. It would be bad enough, but better than going on in this
way."
"I'll see him," said Jock, "or may be I can do the business myself,
for, strange to say, the creature doesn't avoid me, but rather runs
after me.
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