“I cannot be ready to-morrow. It is impossible to move at a moment’s notice.”
“I was at Woodsome last week, and the house is warm and comfortable. Every necessity can be procured in an hour. I will stay with Rose, and you can return and arrange for the transmission of your dresses and such other things as you wish to remove. You know how to manage well enough, Emma.”
“To overdo is always a man’s way; and I tell you in this matter, to overdo is to underdo.”
“I am sure I am right, Emma. Ask your heart, and tell me honestly if you think Rose is in danger or not?”
“I will watch her carefully.”
“Then you think she is in danger?”
“Oh, Henry! Henry! What can I say? How can I tell? I love Rose so dearly! I love her so dearly!”
“So do I love her! I am sorry that I have not looked better after our little treasure.”
“But I cannot—I cannot let her marry. I cannot give her up—and to that man!”
“If we have been recreant to our duty, Emma, and he is willing to assume our arrears, and do it for us in the future, we deserve to endure loss and obligation because we did not honor our office as parents.”