I would
rather not say another word on the subject."
A shudder ran through her, as if at the sight of some hideously
offensive object.
"That would be the best thing," said Sepia, "if it meant not
think more about it. Everything is better for not being thought
about. I would do anything to comfort you, dear. I would marry
him for you, if that would do; but I fear it would scarcely meet
the views of Herr Papa. If I could please the beast as well--and
I think I should in time--I would willingly hand him the
purchase-money. But, of course, he would scorn to touch it,
except as the proceeds of the _bona-fide_ sale of his own
flesh and blood."
CHAPTER XIV.
UNGENEROUS BENEVOLENCE.
As the time went on, and Letty saw nothing more of Tom, she began
to revive a little, and feel as if she were growing safe again.
The tide of temptation was ebbing away; there would be no more
deceit; never again would she place herself in circumstances
whence might arise any necessity for concealment. She began, much
too soon, alas! to feel as if she were newborn; nothing worthy of
being called a new birth can take place anywhere but in the will,
and poor Letty's will was not yet old enough to give birth to
anything; it scarcely, indeed, existed. The past was rapidly
receding, that was all, and had begun to look dead, and as if it
wanted only to be buried out of her sight.
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