'I really want to make acquaintance
with William. I've never seen him since I came to my senses, and
have only taken him on trust from you.'
'I wish equally that he should see you,' said her brother. 'It would
be good for him, and I doubt whether he has any conception what you
are like.'
'I'd better stay at home, to leave you and Edmund to depict for his
benefit a model impossible idol--the normal woman.'
Maurice looked at her, and shook his head.
'No--it would be rather--it and its young one, eh?'
Maurice took both her hands. 'I should not like to tell William what
I shall believe if you do not come.'
'Well, what--'
'That Edmund is right, and you have been overtasked till you are
careful and troubled about many things.'
'Only too much bent on generous self-devotion,' said Mr. Kendal,
eagerly; 'too unselfish to cast the balance of duties.'
'Hush, Edmund,' said Albinia. 'I don't deserve fine words. I
honestly believe I want to do what is right, but I can't be sure what
it is, and I have made quite fuss enough, so you two shall decide,
and then I shall be made right anyway. Only do it from your
consciences.'
They looked at each other, taken aback by the sudden surrender. Mr.
Ferrars waited, and her husband said, 'She ought to see her brother.
She needs the change, and there is no sufficient cause to detain
her.'
'She must be content sometimes to trust,' said Mr.
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