Yet by the simple
instincts of a soul undebased by self-indulgence or low pursuits,
he was drawn ever toward things lofty and good; and life went
calmly on, bearing Godfrey Wardour toward middle age, unruffled
either by anxiety or ambition.
To the forecasting affection of a mother, the hour when she must
yield the first place both in her son's regards and in the house-
affairs could not but have often presented itself, in doubt and
pain--perhaps dread. Only as year after year passed and Godfrey
revealed no tendency toward marriage, her anxiety changed sides,
and she began to fear lest with Godfrey the ancient family should
come to an end. As yet, however, finding no response to covert
suggestion, she had not ventured to speak openly to him on the
subject. All the time, I must add, she had never thought of Letty
either as thwarting or furthering her desires, for in truth she
felt toward her as one on whom Godfrey could never condescend to
look, save with the kindness suitable for one immeasurably below
him. As to what might pass in Letty's mind, Mrs. Wardour had
neither curiosity nor care: else she might possibly have been
more considerate than to fall into the habit of talking to her in
such swelling words of maternal pride that, even if she had not
admired him of herself, Letty could hardly escape coming to
regard her cousin Godfrey as the very first of men.
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