He was impelled, against his better judgment, to ask this awkward question. Mrs. Reade gathered herself together, so to speak; it was one of those sudden emergencies that inspire a brave woman.
"If I thought she cared for anyone who was a better man, and could make her happier than you," she said deliberately, looking him straight in the face, "she should have him, or it would not be my fault."
"But she does not?"
"So far as I know she does not. But," she was an honest little woman, and it gave her a pang to mislead him, even though she did it for what seemed to her a good end, "but, at the same time, no doubt she does not care for you as she ought to do."
"I hope that will come," he said cheerfully.
If only Mr. Dalrymple did not stand in his way, he felt all difficulties manageable.
"It is a great risk; you ought to think well before you take it."
"I have thought well."
"And I will be no party to making her take it against her will."
"But I think she will be willing if she is treated properly. Of course I don't want to marry her by force. I want to bring her round to like it as she used to like it. If there is nobody else, why not? And you will help me, won't you?"