The prompt Ferrars temper could bear it no longer, and Maurice spoke
out. 'I'll tell you what, Kendal, it is time to attend to your own
concerns. If you choose to let your son run to ruin, because you
will not exert yourself to remove him from temptation, I shall not
stand by to see my sister worn out with making efforts to save him.
She is willing and devoted, she fancies she could work day and night
to preserve him, and she does it with all her heart; but it is not
woman's work, she cannot do it, and it is not fit to leave it to her.
When Gilbert has broken her heart as well as yours, and left an evil
example to his brother, then you will feel what it is to have kept a
lad whom you know to be well disposed, but weak as water, in the very
midst of contamination, and to have left your young, inexperienced
wife to struggle alone to save him. If you are unwarned by the
experience of last autumn and winter, I could not pity you, whatever
might happen.'
Maurice, who had run on the longer because Mr. Kendal did not answer
immediately, was shocked at his own impetuosity; but a rattling peal
of thunder was not more than was requisite.
'I believe you are right,' Mr. Kendal said. 'I was to blame for
leaving him so entirely to Albinia; but she is very fond of him, and
is one who will never be induced to spare herself, and there were
considerations. However, she shall be relieved at once.
Pages:
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161