She was excessively grieved, and a great deal more angry with
Mrs. Kendal than with Gilbert; and the want of justification for this
feeling, together with her great excitement, distress, and
embarrassment, made her attempts to be dry and dignified ludicrously
abortive. She really seemed to have lost the power of knowing what
she said. She was glad Mrs. Kendal could walk up this morning, since
she could not come at night.
'It was not my fault,' said Albinia, earnestly; 'Mr. Kendal forbade
me. I am sure I wish we had come.'
The old lady would have said something kind about not reproaching
herself, but Miss Meadows interposed with, 'It was very unlucky, to
be sure--Mr. Kendal never failed them before, not that she would
wish--but she had always understood that to let young people run
about late in the evening by themselves--not that she meant anything,
but it was very unfortunate--if she had only been aware--Betty should
have come down to walk up with them.'
Gilbert could not forbear an ashamed smile of intense affront at this
reproach to his manliness.
'It was exceedingly unfortunate,' said Albinia, trying to repress her
vexation; 'but Gilbert must learn to have resolution to guard
himself. And now that he is come to ask your forgiveness, will you
not grant it to him?'
'Oh, yes, yes, certainly, I forgive him from my heart. Yes, Gilbert,
I do, only you must mind and beware--it is a very shocking thing--low
company and all that--you've made yourself look as ill--and if you
knew what a cake Betty had made--almond and citron both--"but it's
for Master Gilbert," she said, "and I don't grudge"--and then to
think--oh, dear!'
Albinia tried to express for him some becoming sorrow at having
disappointed so much kindness, but she brought Miss Meadows down on
her again.
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