"He is very sensitive and proud, I know," faltered Mabel, hastily
marking these, and understanding what they portended.
"You need not like him the less on that account, always provided
that the supports of his pride are legitimate and substantial,"
answered her brother, carelessly transferring to his tablets several
names from a sheet of paper upon the table--the addresses of persons
to whom Frederic had referred him for confirmation of his statements
regarding his social and professional standing.
"I hope, for your sake, Mabel," he pursueds pocketing the memoranda,
"that this affair may be speedily and agreeably adjusted; while I
cannot deny that I deprecate the unseemly haste with which Mrs.
Sutton and her ally have urged it on, in my absence. Had they
intended to court suspicion, they could not have done it more
effectually. You could not have had a more injudicious chaperone to
the Springs."
"Indeed, brother, she was not to blame," began the generous girl,
forgetting her embarrassment in zealous defence of the aunt she
loved. "It was not she who presented me to Mr. Chilton, and she has
never attempted to bias my decision in any manner."
"I have heard the history in detail." Had his breeding been less
fine, he would have yawned in her face. "I know that you are
indebted for Mr. Chilton's acquaintanceship to Miss Tazewell's
generosity. But in strict justice, Mrs. Sutton should be held
responsible for whatever unhappiness may arise from the intimacy.
You were left by myself in her charge."
"I do not believe it will end unhappily," Mabel was moved to reply,
with spirit that became her better than the shyness she had
heretofore displayed, or the submissive demeanor usual with her in
tête-à-têtes with her guardian.
He smiled in calm superiority.
"I have expressed my hope to that effect. Of expectations it will be
time enough to speak when I am better informed upon divers points. I
am not one to take much for granted, am less sanguine than my
romantic aunt, or even than my more practical sister. Assuming,
however, that all is as you would have it, your wish would be, I
suppose, for an early marriage?"
"There has been little said about that," responded Mabel,
reddening--then rallying to add smilingly--"such an arrangement
would have involved the taking for granted a good many things--your
consent among them."
Winston passed over the addenda.
"But that little, especially when uttered by Mr. Chiiton, trenched
upon the inexpediency of long engagements--did it not?"