She would
entrust him with this if it was hers to give. Until
she did his lips would be sealed. As to Lucy, it
could make no difference. Bart lying in a foreign
grave would never trouble her again, and Archie
would only be a stumbling-block in her career. She
would never love the boy, come what might. If this
Frenchman filled her ideal, it was best for her to
end her days across the water--best certainly for
Jane, to whom she had only brought unhappiness.
For some moments he busied himself with the
reins, loosening them from where they were caught
in the harness; then he bent his head and said slowly,
and with the tone of the physician in consultation:
"Your protest will do no good, Jane, and your
trip abroad will only be a waste of time and money.
If Lucy has not changed, and this letter shows that
she has not, she will laugh at your objections and
end by doing as she pleases. She has always been
a law unto herself, and this new move of hers is
part of her life-plan. Take my advice: stay where
you are; write her a loving, sweet letter and tell
her how happy you hope she will be, and send her
your congratulations. She will not listen to your
objections, and your opposition might lose you her
love.
Pages:
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223