Venetia did not reply to
it with her previous readiness and indifference. That indeed was
impossible; but, with her accustomed frankness, after a moment's
hesitation, she answered, 'Lord Cadurcis never specifically stated the
cause to me, mamma; indeed I was myself surprised at his departure,
but some conversation had occurred between us on the very morning he
quitted Cadurcis, which, on reflection, I could not doubt occasioned
that departure.'
'Lord Cadurcis preferred his suit to you, Venetia, and you rejected
him?' said Lady Annabel.
'It is as you believe,' replied Venetia, not a little agitated.
'You did wisely, my child, and I was weak ever to have regretted your
conduct.'
'Why should you think so, dearest mamma?'
'Whatever may have been the cause that impelled your conduct then,'
said Lady Annabel, 'I shall ever esteem your decision as a signal
interposition of Providence in your favour. Except his extreme youth,
there was apparently no reason which should not have induced you to
adopt a different decision. I tremble when I think what might have
been the consequences.'
'Tremble, dearest mother?'
'Tremble, Venetia. My only thought in this life is the happiness of my
child. It was in peril.
'Nay, I trust not that, mamma: you are prejudiced against Plantagenet.
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