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to our nature and our wish, and far more foreign, sir, to us than you. I am not a false, a hollow, or a heartless man; the character is yours, who poorly venture on these injurious terms, against the truth, and under the shelter whereof I reminded you just now. You shall not cancel the bond between us. I will not abandon this pursuit. I rely upon your nieces truth and honour, and set your influence at nought. I leave her with a confidence in her pure faith, which you will never weaken, and with no concern but that I do not leave her in some gentler care. With that, he pressed her cold hand to his lips, and once more encountering and returning Mr Haredales steady look, withdrew. A few words to Joe as he mounted his horse sufficiently explained what had passed, and renewed all that young gentlemans despondency with tenfold aggravation. They rode back to the Maypole without exchanging a syllable, and arrived at the door with heavy hearts. Old John, who had peeped from behind the red curtain as they rode up shouting for Hugh, was out directly, and said with great importance as he held the young mans stirrup, Hes comfortable in bedthe best bed. A thorough gentleman; the smilingest, affablest gentleman I ever had to do with. Who, Willet? said Edward carelessly, as he dismounted. Your worthy father, sir, replied John. Your honourable, venerable father. What does he mean? said Edward, looking with a mixture of alarm and doubt, at Joe. What do you mean? said Joe. Dont you see Mr Edward doesnt understand, father? Why, didnt you know of it, sir? said John, opening his eyes wide. How very singular! Bless you, hes been here ever since noon to-day, and Mr Haredale has been having a long talk with him, and hasnt been gone an hour. My father, Willet! Yes, sir, he told me soa handsome, slim, upright gentleman, in green-and-gold. In your old room up yonder, sir. No doubt you can go in, sir, said John, walking backwards into the road and looking up at the window. He hasnt put out his candles yet, I see. Edward glanced at the window also, and hastily murmuring that he had changed his mindforgotten somethingand must return to London, mounted his horse again and rode away; leaving the Willets, father and son, looking at each other in mute astonishment. |
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