Lady Ball had in truth mistaken her niece's character. She had found her to be unobtrusive, gentle, and unselfish; and had conceived that she must therefore be weak and compliant. As to many things she was compliant, and as to some things she was weak; but there was in her composition a power of resistance and self-sustenance on which Lady Ball had not counted. When conscious of absolute ill-usage, she could fight well, and would not bow her neck to any Mrs Stumfold or to any Lady Ball.
CHAPTER XVII
Mr Slow's Chambers
She came down late to breakfast on the following morning, not being present at prayers, and when she came down she wore a bonnet.
"I got myself ready, John, for fear I should keep you waiting."
Her aunt spoke to her somewhat more graciously than on the preceding evening, and accepted her apology for being late.
Just as she was about to start Lady Ball took her apart and spoke one word to her.
"No one can tell you better what you ought to do than your cousin John; but pray remember that he is far too generous to say a word for himself."
Margaret made no answer, and then she and her cousin started on foot across the grounds to the station. The distance was nearly a mile, and during the walk no word was said between them about the money. They got into the train that was to take them up to London, and sat opposite to each other. It happened that there was no passenger in either of the seats next to him or her, so that there was ample opportunity for them to hold a private conversation; but Mr Ball said nothing to her, and she, not knowing how to begin, said nothing to him. In this way they reached the London station at Waterloo Bridge, and then he asked her what she proposed to do next.