[CHAPTER XXIV.]
UNPALATABLE ADVICE.
CONSTANCE CONWAY'S JOURNAL.
August 15. Saturday.
WE glide on from day to day, hardly aware, perhaps, how time is flitting. Better accounts of Mrs. Romilly reach us, but no word is spoken of Mr. Romilly's return to England.
The holidays once over, I think life may become easier. At present it is not easy. Often when I get up in the morning the weight of the hours ahead seems almost more than I can bear. Perhaps the strain of responsibility has somewhat told upon me lately.
I do not think I am fanciful, or disposed to the foolish magnifying of small affronts. But one cannot entirely shut one's eyes to what lies just ahead.
The constant and fretting opposition has increased steadily. Whatever I suggest, the conclave, headed by Miss Millington, at once resist. Whatever I arrange, the conclave, headed by Miss Millington, at once turn into a grievance.
So far as possible, I appeal to Maggie for her wishes before deciding on any plan: and Maggie of course appeals to "Millie." By this means, I have managed so far to avoid any serious struggles. Yet I sometimes wonder if I am acting quite wisely,—if I am not tacitly yielding to Miss Millington a power which she ought not to possess, and which she may sooner or later misuse.
If Lady Denham were not probably coming soon to Beckdale, I think I should appeal to her for advice. Yet it would be very difficult to put my perplexities into writing; and I am anxious not to take any hasty step.