'Poor dear,' continued Albinia, 'what a commotion there will be in
her head; but she has behaved so well hitherto, that I hope we may
steer her safely through, above all, if one of the six cousins will
but catch him in the rebound! Have you spoken to her?'
'Is it necessary?'
'So asked her grandfather,' said Albinia, smiling, as he, a little
out of countenance, muttered something of 'foolish affair--mere
child--and turn her head--'
'That's done!' said Albinia, 'we have only to try to get it straight.
Besides, it would hardly be just to let her think he had meant
nothing, and I have promised to deal openly with her, otherwise we
can hardly hope for plain dealing from her.'
'And you think it will be a serious disappointment?'
'She is highly flattered by his attention, but I don't know how deep
it may have gone.'
'I wish people would let one's daughters alone!' exclaimed Mr.
Kendal. 'You will talk to her then, Albinia, and don't let her think
me more harsh than you can help, and come and tell me how she bears
it.'
'Won't you speak to her yourself?'
'Do you think I must?' he said, reluctantly; 'you know so much better
how to manage her.'
'I think you must do this, dear Edmund,' she said, between decision
and entreaty. 'She knows that I dislike the man, and may fancy it my
doing it she only hears it at second hand. If you speak, there will
be no appeal, and besides there are moments when the really nearest
should have no go-betweens.
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