'But, Maud, beware of prejudice; women are unjust and violent in their
judgments. Your family has suffered in some of its members by such
injustice. It behoves us to be careful not to practise it.'
That evening in the drawing-room my father said, in his usual abrupt way--
'About my departure, Maud: I've had a letter from London this morning, and
I think I shall be called away sooner than I at first supposed, and for a
little time we must manage apart from one another. Do not be alarmed. You
shall not be in Madame de la Rougierre's charge, but under the care of a
relation; but even so, little Maud will miss her old father, I think.'
His tone was very tender, so were his looks; he was looking down on me with
a smile, and tears were in his eyes. This softening was new to me. I felt a
strange thrill of surprise, delight, and love, and springing up, I threw my
arms about his neck and wept in silence. He, I think, shed tears also.
'You said a visitor was coming; some one, you mean, to go away with. Ah,
yes, you love him better than me.'
'No, dear, no; but I _fear_ him; and I am sorry to leave you, little Maud.
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