"
"Very right and proper of him. It is the only thing he can do. I
suppose it would be the making of one of you. Ah!" as she glanced
over the letter. "He gives the preference to you."
"He was bound to do that, but I think he would prefer the Monk.
I wonder whether you care very much about my accepting the offer."
"Would this house be too far off?"
"I don't know his plans enough to tell. That was not what I was
thinking of, but of what it would save her. Essie said she was not
looking well; and no doubt waiting is telling on her, just as her
mother always feared it would."
"John has just not had the forbearance you have shown!"
"That is all circumstance. There was the saving her life, and
afterwards the being on the spot when she was tormented about the
other affair. He has no notion of having cut me out, and I trust he
never will."
"No, I do him that justice."
"Then he has the advantage of me every way, out and out in looks and
University training; and it was to him that Ruthven first took a
fancy."
"You surpassed him in your essay, and in--.
"Oh, yes, yes," interrupted Jock hastily, "but you see work was my
refuge. I had nothing to call me off. Besides, I have my share of
your brains, instead of her Serenity's; but that's all the more
reason, if you would listen to me.
Pages:
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850
851
852
853
854
855