'
'You kind cousin!' I said, placing my two hands on her shoulders, and
looking earnestly in her face; 'you are anxious about me, more than you
say. Won't you tell me why? I am much more unhappy, really, in ignorance,
than if I understood the cause.'
'Well, dear, haven't I told you? The two or three years of your life which
are to form you are destined to be passed in utter loneliness, and, I am
sure, neglect. You can't estimate the disadvantage of such an arrangement.
It is full of disadvantages. How it could have entered the head of poor
Austin--although I should not say that, for I am sure I do understand
it,--but how he could for any purpose have directed such a measure is quite
inconceivable. I never heard of anything so foolish and abominable, and I
will prevent it if I can.'
At that moment Mrs. Rusk announced that Doctor Bryerly would see Lady
Knollys at any time she pleased before his departure.
'It shall be this moment, then,' said the energetic lady, and up she stood,
and made that hasty general adjustment before the glass, which, no matter
under what circumstances, and before what sort of creature one's appearance
is to be made, is a duty that every woman owes to herself.
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