'Well, dear,' she said, with the same pale, excited countenance, 'that
certainly is a sensible and charitable arrangement. I could not have
believed it possible, had I not heard it with my ears.'
'About my going to Bartram-Haugh?'
'Yes, exactly so, under Silas Ruthyn's guardianship, to spend
two--_three_--of the most important years of your education and your life
under that roof. Is _that_, my dear, what was in your mind when you were so
alarmed about what you were to be called upon to do, or undergo?'
'No, no, indeed. I had no notion what it might be. I was afraid of
something serious,' I answered.
'And, my dear Maud, did not your poor father speak to you as if it _was_
something serious?' said she. 'And so it _is_, I can tell you, something
serious, and _very_ serious; and I think it ought to be prevented, and I
certainly _will_ prevent it if I possibly can.'
I was puzzled utterly by the intensity of Lady Knollys' protest. I looked
at her, expecting an explanation of her meaning; but she was silent,
looking steadfastly on the jewels on her right-hand fingers, with which she
was drumming a staccato march on the table, very pale, with gleaming eyes,
evidently thinking deeply.
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