When the talk was
finally renewed, it was with a return of the former constraint.
She asked us, with a little stiffness of manner, when we had come to
London; which led to our relation, between us, of all that had passed
since her departure from New York. She opened her eyes at the news of
our residence in Hampstead, and lost her embarrassment in her glad,
impulsive acceptance of my invitation to come and see us as soon as
possible. While Philip and she still kept their distance, as it were,
I knew not how far to go in cordiality, or I should have pressed her
to come and live with us. She wept and laughed, at the prospect of
seeing Fanny and my mother, and declared they must visit her in town.
And then her tongue faltered as the thought returned of Falconer's
probable interference with the quiet and safety of her further
residence in London; and her face turned anxious.
"'Faith! you need have no fear on that score," said Philip, quietly.
"Where does he live?"
She did not know, but she named a club, and a tavern, from which he
had dated importunate letters to her before she left London.
"Well," said Philip, rising, "I shall see a lawyer to-morrow, and you
may expect to hear from him soon regarding the settlement I make upon
you."
"You are too kind," she murmured. "I have no right to accept it of
you."
"Oh, yes, you have. I am always your husband, I tell you; and you will
have no choice but to accept.
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