'
Albinia tried to make it comprehensible. 'You know, my dear, we have
always seen him resolved on his own way, and not caring how he may
inconvenience his uncle and aunt. We know his temper is not always
amiable, and differently as you see him, you must let us judge.'
Wrenching her hand away, Lucy burst into tears. Her father looked at
Albinia, as if she ought to have saved him this infliction, and she
began a little whispering about not distressing papa, which checked
the sobs, and enabled him to say, 'There, that's right, my dear, I
see you are willing to submit patiently to our judgment, and I
believe you will find it for the best. We will do all in our power
to help you, and make you happy,' and bending down he kissed her, and
left her to his wife.
In such family scenes, logic is less useful than the power of coming
to a friendly conclusion; Lucy's awe of her father was a great
assistance, she was touched with his unwonted softness, and did not
apprehend how total was the rejection. But what he was spared, was
reserved for Albinia. There was a lamentable scene of sobbing and
weeping, beyond all argument, and only ending in physical exhaustion,
which laid her on the bed all the rest of the day.
Gilbert and Sophy could not but be aware of the cause of her
distress. The former thought it a great waste.
'Tell Lucy,' he said, 'that if she wishes to be miserable for life,
she has found the best way! He is a thorough-bred tyrant at heart,
pig-headed, and obstinate, and with the very worst temper I ever came
across.
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