'We assume, of course, _unjustly_; but there are many who think quite
differently.'
'And possibly, Doctor Bryerly, it was for that very reason that my dear
papa made him my guardian.'
'There can be no doubt of that, Miss; it was to purge him of that scandal.'
'And when he has acquitted himself honourably of that trust, don't you
think such a proof of confidence so honourably fulfilled must go far to
silence his traducers?'
'Why, if all goes well, it may do a little; but a great deal less than you
fancy. But take it that you happen to _die_, Miss, during your minority. We
are all mortal, and there are three years and some months to go; how will
it be then? Don't you see? Just fancy how people will talk.'
'I think you know that my uncle is a religious man?' said I.
'Well, Miss, what of that?' he asked again.
'He is--he has suffered intensely,' I continued. 'He has long retired from
the world; he is very religious. Ask our curate, Mr. Fairfield, if you
doubt it.'
'But I am not disputing it, Miss; I'm only supposing what may happen--an
accident, we'll call it small-pox, diphtheria, _that's_ going very much.
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