Most expectant
bridegrooms would, no doubt, under such circumstances, have declared
their intentions to their future brides; but if Lord Dumbello
were different from others, who had a right on that account to be
indignant with him? He was unlike other men in other things; and
especially unlike other men in being the eldest son of the Marquess
of Hartletop. It would be all very well for Tickler to proclaim his
whereabouts from week to week; but the eldest son of a marquess might
find it inconvenient to be so precise! Nevertheless the archdeacon
thought it only prudent to go up to London. "Susan," said the
archdeacon to his wife, just as he was starting;--at this moment
neither of them were in the happiest spirits--"I think I would say a
word of caution to Griselda."
"Do you feel so much doubt about it as that?" said Mrs. Grantly. But
even she did not dare to put a direct negative to this proposal, so
much had she been moved by what she had heard!
"I think I would do so, not frightening her more than I could help.
It will lesson the blow if it be that the blow is to fall."
"It will kill me," said Mrs. Grantly; "but I think that she will be
able to bear it." On the next morning Mrs. Grantly, with much cunning
preparation, went about the task which her husband had left her to
perform.
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