The Woodlanders

"Don't raft yourself without good need, George," she replied. "I won't

quite believe that things are so much amiss. I won't believe that Mrs.

Charmond has encouraged him. Even supposing she has encouraged a great

many, she can have no motive to do it now. What so likely as that she

is not yet quite well, and doesn't care to let another doctor come near

her?"

He did not heed. "Grace used to be so busy every day, with fixing a

curtain here and driving a tin-tack there; but she cares for no

employment now!"

"Do you know anything of Mrs. Charmond's past history? Perhaps that

would throw some light upon things. Before she came here as the wife

of old Charmond four or five years ago, not a soul seems to have heard

aught of her. Why not make inquiries? And then do ye wait and see

more; there'll be plenty of opportunity. Time enough to cry when you

know 'tis a crying matter; and 'tis bad to meet troubles half-way."

There was some good-sense in the notion of seeing further. Melbury

resolved to inquire and wait, hoping still, but oppressed

between-whiles with much fear.