"But why should they not try that, if they must try it, without dragging you there?"
"Ah, I do not understand; or at least I cannot explain it. Mr. Furnival says that it must be so; and therefore I shall tell Sir Peregrine to-morrow that all this must be given up." And then they sat together silently, holding each other by the hand.
"Good night, Edith," Lady Mason said at last, getting up from her seat.
"Good night, dearest."
"You will let me be your friend still, will you not?" said Lady Mason.
"My friend! Oh yes; always my friend. Why should this interfere between you and me?"
"But he will be very angry—at least I fear that he will. Not that—not that he will have anything to regret. But the very strength of his generosity and nobleness will make him angry. He will be indignant because I do not let him make this sacrifice for me. And then—and then—I fear I must leave this house."
"Oh no, not that; I will speak to him. He will do anything for me."
"It will be better perhaps that I should go. People will think that I am estranged from Lucius. But if I go, you will come to me? He will let you do that; will he not?"
And then there were warm, close promises given, and embraces interchanged. The women did love each other with a hearty, true love, and each longed that they might be left together. And yet how different they were, and how different had been their lives!