Tell him by no means to go away, for when she finds that our feelings
are not hurt, and has become used to the idea, I have every hope that
she will be able to form a new--'
'Ay; ay; poor Gilbert would have wished it himself. It is very good
of you, Mrs. Kendal; I'll put the poor fellow in spirits again.'
'Did you hear whether she gave any reasons?'
'Oh! I don't know--something about her birth and station; but that's
stuff--she's a perfect lady, and much more.'
'And he is only a bookseller's son.'
'True, and though it might be awkward to have the parson's father-in-law
cutting capers if he lived in the same town, yet being dead these
fifteen or eighteen years, where's the damage?'
'Was that all?'
'I fancy that she said she never meant to marry, but that's all
nonsense; she is the very girl that ought, and I hope you will talk
to her and bring her to reason. There's not a couple in the whole
place that I should be so glad to marry as those two.'
Albinia endeavoured to discuss the matter with Genevieve that night
when they went upstairs. It was not easy to do, for Genevieve seemed
resolved to wish her good-night outside her door, but she made her
entrance, and putting her arm round her little friend's waist, said,
'Am I very much in your way, my dear? I thought you might want a
little help, or at least a little talk.'
'Oh! Mrs. Kendal, I hoped you did not know!' and her eyes filled with
tears.
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