It is very
kind, but not imprudent.'
'Oh, Cousin Monica, don't you think at such a moment it is hardly natural
that he should form such petty schemes, even were he capable at other times
of practising so low? Is it not judging him hardly? and you, you know, so
little acquainted with him.'
'I told you, dear, I'm a cross old thing--and there's an end; and I really
don't care two pence about him; and of the two I'd much rather he were no
relation of ours.'
Now, was not this prejudice? I dare say in part it was. So, too, was
my vehement predisposition in his favour. I am afraid we women are
factionists; we always take a side, and nature has formed us for advocates
rather than judges; and I think the function, if less dignified, is more
amiable.
I sat alone at the drawing-room window, at nightfall, awaiting my cousin
Monica's entrance.
Feverish and frightened I felt that night. It was a sympathy, I fancy, with
the weather. The sun had set stormily. Though the air was still, the sky
looked wild and storm-swept. The crowding clouds, slanting in the attitude
of flight, reflected their own sacred aspect upon my spirits.
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