But not
a murmur against your mother from me. She received my overtures of
reconciliation last night with more than cordiality. She is your
mother, Venetia, and she once was mine. Indeed, I love her; indeed,
you would find that I would study her happiness. For after all, sweet,
is there another woman in existence better qualified to fill the
position of my mother-in-law? I could not behave unkindly to her; I
could not treat her with neglect or harshness; not merely for the
sake of her many admirable qualities, but from other considerations,
Venetia, considerations we never can forget. By heavens! I love your
mother; I do, indeed, Venetia! I remember so many things; her last
words to me when I went to Eton. If she would only behave kindly
to me, you would see what a son-in-law I should make. You would be
jealous, that you should, Venetia. I can bear anything from you,
Venetia, but, with others, I cannot forget who I am. It makes me
bitter to be treated as Lady Annabel treated me last year in London:
but a smile and a kind word and I recall all her maternal love; I do
indeed, Venetia; last night when she was kind I could have kissed
her!'
Poor Venetia could not answer, her tears were flowing so plenteously.
'I have told your father all, sweetest,' said Cadurcis; 'I concealed
nothing.
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