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Updated: June 11, 2025
He received a courteous reply, the details not of course wholly palatable, but confirmatory of the modest hopes he had entertained. This reply he showed to his sister. Mrs. Rossall raised her eyebrows resignedly, and returned the letter in silence. 'What one expected, I suppose? said Mr. Athel. 'I suppose so. Mr. Baxendale probably thinks the man has been applying for a position in your pantry.
Athel, too, though he supported a jesting tone, clearly enjoyed listening to the girl's vivacious comments on the world which amuses itself. Wilfrid talked less than usual. He and his father strolled together into the garden an hour later, and found Beatrice reclining in a hammock which had recently been suspended in a convenient spot.
But her wits had, as you see, come to her rescue. 'Mr. Athel's opinions on that subject are not likely to offend me, Beatrice replied, with the shadow of a smile. 'I am so afraid lest he should suspect anything of the kind. I am sure it would grieve him dreadfully. The girl laughed outright, though not with much joyousness. 'Mr. Athel be grieved for such a cause!
Wilfrid could not utter the words with complete calmness; his hands had begun to tremble a little, and his temples were hot. By an effort he kept his eyes steadily fixed on his father's face, and what he saw there did not supply encouragement to proceed in the genial tone with which he had begun. Mr. Athel frowned, not angrily, but as if not quite able to grasp what had been told him.
'I think you had better not do that, interrupted Wilfrid, 'I mean with any view of persuading her. I am afraid I can't very well bring myself to compromises which involve a confession of childish error. It is better I should go my own way. 'Well, well, of course, if you take the strictly independent attitude Mr. Athel took another turn on the lawn, his brows bent.
'I am afraid I shall not be able to leave England with you, continued Wilfrid, rising. 'But that fortunately need cause no change in your plans. Mr. Athel was annoyed at his sister's behaviour. He had looked to her for mediation; clearly she would offer nothing of the kind. She was wrapping herself in a cloak of offended dignity; she had withdrawn from the debate.
To Wilfrid she used no form of words, merely giving him her hand; that other had been so cold, how hot this was! She laughed as she turned from him. 'What is the source of amusement? inquired Mr. Athel, who was standing by with his hands upon his hips. 'Indeed I don't know, returned Beatrice, laughing again slightly. 'I sometimes laugh without cause.
Athel, with a certain triumph over female infallibility. 'Then I think worse of her than I did, that's all. 'I'm not at all sure that you are right in that, observed her brother, with an impartial air. 'Pray tell me your serious opinion of Miss Hood. One begins, naturally, with a suspicion that she has not been altogether passive in this affair.
Baxendale makes it one of his pet studies, whilst I should like to make a bonfire of every volume containing such cruel nonsense. You must know, Mr. Athel, that I have an evil reputation in Dunfield; my views are held dangerous; they call me a socialist. Mr. Baxendale, when particularly angry, offers to hire the hall in the Corn Exchange, that I may say my say and henceforth spare him at home.
Baxendale and Wilfrid. 'Mr. Athel came from Switzerland as soon as he heard of your illness. 'How did he hear? Emily inquired, gravely. 'My niece, Miss Redwing, whom you knew, happened to be visiting me. She wrote to Mrs. Rossall. Emily was silent. The lines of her mouth showed a slight tremor, but no colour sought her cheeks.
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