'Allow me to introduce my aunt, Mrs. Shaw. I am going away from

Milton to-morrow; I do not know if you are aware of it; but I

wanted to see you once again, Mrs. Thornton, to--to apologise for

my manner the last time I saw you; and to say that I am sure you

meant kindly--however much we may have misunderstood each other.' Mrs. Shaw looked extremely perplexed by what Margaret had said.

Thanks for kindness! and apologies for failure in good manners!

But Mrs. Thornton replied: 'Miss Hale, I am glad you do me justice. I did no more than I

believed to be my duty in remonstrating with you as I did. I have

always desired to act the part of a friend to you. I am glad you

do me justice.' 'And,' said Margaret, blushing excessively as she spoke, 'will

you do me justice, and believe that though I cannot--I do not

choose--to give explanations of my conduct, I have not acted in

the unbecoming way you apprehended?' Margaret's voice was so soft, and her eyes so pleading, that Mrs.

Thornton was for once affected by the charm of manner to which

she had hitherto proved herself invulnerable.

'Yes, I do believe you. Let us say no more about it. Where are

you going to reside, Miss Hale? I understood from Mr. Bell that

you were going to leave Milton. You never liked Milton, you

know,' said Mrs. Thornton, with a sort of grim smile; 'but for

all that, you must not expect me to congratulate you on quitting

it. Where shall you live?' 'With my aunt,' replied Margaret, turning towards Mrs. Shaw.

'My niece will reside with me in Harley Street. She is almost

like a daughter to me,' said Mrs. Shaw, looking fondly at

Margaret; 'and I am glad to acknowledge my own obligation for any

kindness that has been shown to her. If you and your husband ever

come to town, my son and daughter, Captain and Mrs. Lennox, will,

I am sure, join with me in wishing to do anything in our power to

show you attention.' Mrs. Thornton thought in her own mind, that Margaret had not

taken much care to enlighten her aunt as to the relationship

between the Mr. and Mrs. Thornton, towards whom the fine-lady

aunt was extending her soft patronage; so she answered shortly, 'My husband is dead. Mr. Thornton is my son. I never go to

London; so I am not likely to be able to avail myself of your

polite offers.' At this instant Mr. Thornton entered the room; he had only just

returned from Oxford. His mourning suit spoke of the reason that

had called him there.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024