There is no more appeal from his decisions
than from Major A----'s. He dislikes Bruce, of course; but he would just
as soon think of objecting to a partner at whist as to a son-in-law
because he happened to be unprepossessing. When the poor little
Iphigenia is sacrificed on the shrine of expediency, you will see him,
not veiling his face but taking snuff with the calm grace that is
peculiar to him. Arguing with such a man is a simple absurdity."
"I can not advise you," I answered, sadly; "but it seems hard on Miss
Raymond, too."
"Of course it is," Livingstone broke in; "and the worst of it is, the
poor child looks to me to help her. I can't bear to think of what her
life would be if she married Bruce. He would be constantly retaliating
on her for what he is suffering now--for he does suffer. A pleasant idea
that she, who is only meant to be petted, should be set up as a target
for his jealousy and ill-humor! She would never be able to stand it, and
Charley wouldn't if she could; and then there would be a _denouement_
like that which ruined Ralph Mohun. If there _is_ to be a row, it had
better come before than after marriage. It's more moral, and saves an
infinity of trouble.
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