"I suspect nobody, Dr Thorne; but young people will be young."
"And old people must be old, I suppose; the more's the pity. Lady Arabella, Mary is the same to me as my own daughter, and owes me the obedience of a child; but as I do not disapprove of your daughter Beatrice as an acquaintance for her, but rather, on the other hand, regard with pleasure their friendship, you cannot expect that I should take any steps to put an end to it."
"But suppose it should lead to renewed intercourse between Frank and Mary?"
"I have no objection. Frank is a very nice young fellow, gentleman-like in his manners, and neighbourly in his disposition."
"Dr Thorne—"
"Lady Arabella—"
"I cannot believe that you really intend to express a wish—"
"You are quite right. I have not intended to express any wish; nor do I intend to do so. Mary is at liberty, within certain bounds—which I am sure she will not pass—to choose her own friends. I think she has not chosen badly as regards Miss Beatrice Gresham; and should she even add Frank Gresham to the number—"
"Friends! why they were more than friends; they were declared lovers."
"I doubt that, Lady Arabella, because I have not heard of it from Mary. But even if it were so, I do not see why I should object."