'
'Yes, Sophy; but I believe it is better to incur the sin of breaking
a promise, than to go on when the fulfilment involves not only
suffering, but mischief. Lucy has repeatedly declared there was no
engagement.'
'I know it could not be helped; but Mr. Dusautoy ought not to have
asked papa.'
'Nor papa to have consented, my Suleiman ben Daood,' said Mr. Kendal.
'Ah! Sophy, we all have very clear, straightforward views at eighteen
of what other people ought to do.'
'Papa--I never meant--I did not think I was saying anything wrong.
I only said I did not like the world.'
'And I heartily agree with you, Sophy, and if I had lived in it as
short a time as you have, perhaps "considerations" would not affect
my judgment.'
'I am always telling Sophy she will be more merciful as she grows
older,' said Albinia.
'If it were only being more merciful, it would be very well,' said
Mr. Kendal; 'but one also becomes less thorough-going, because
practice is more painful than theory, and one remembers consequences
that have made themselves felt. It is just as well that there should
be young people to put us in mind what our flights once were.'
Albinia and Sophy left Lucy to herself; they both wished to avoid the
useless 'What shall I do?' and they thought that, driven back on her
own resources, even _her_ own mind might give her better counsel than
the seven watchmen aloft in a high tower.
Pages:
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571