CHAPTER XVIII.
MARY AND GODFREY.
Everything went very tolerably, so far as concerned the world of
talk, in the matter of Letty's misfortunes. Rumors, it is true--
and more than one of them strange enough--did for a time go
floating about the country; but none of them came to the ears of
Tom or of Mary, and Letty was safe from hearing anything; and the
engagement between her and Tom soon became generally known.
Mrs. Helmer was very angry, and did all she could to make Tom
break it off--it was so much below him! But in nothing could the
folly of the woman have been more apparent than in her fancying,
with the experience of her life before her, that any opposition
of hers could be effectual otherwise than to the confirmation of
her son's will. So short-sighted was she as to originate most of
the reports to Letty's disadvantage; but Tom's behavior, on the
other hand, was strong to put them down; for the man is seldom
found so faithful where such reports are facts.
Mrs. Wardour took care to say nothing unkind of Letty. She was of
her own family; and, besides, not only was Tom a better match
than she could have expected for her, but she was more than
satisfied to have Godfrey's dangerous toy thus drawn away beyond
his reach. As soon as ever the doctor gave his permission, she
went to see her; but, although, dismayed at sight of her
suffering face, she did not utter one unkind word, her visit was
so plainly injurious in its effects, that it was long before Mary
would consent to a repetition of it.
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