After that came the two letters for the husband and wife, each of which was shown to the other; and then for the first time did either of them receive the idea that Lady Ongar with her fortune might be a cause of misery to their sister. "I don't believe a word of it," said Cecilia, whose cheeks were burning, half with shame and half with anger. Harry had been such a pet with her,—had already been taken so closely to her heart as a brother! "I should not have suspected him of that kind of baseness," said Theodore, very slowly. "He is not base," said Cecilia. "He may be idle and foolish, but he is not base."
"I must at any rate go after him now," said Theodore. "I don't believe this;—I won't believe it. I do not believe it. But if it should be true—!"
"Oh, Theodore."
"I do not think it is true. It is not the kind of weakness I have seen in him. He is weak and vain, but I should have said that he was true."
"I am sure he is true."
"I think so. I cannot say more than that I think so."
"You will write to your mother?"
"Yes."
"And may I ask Florence to come up? Is it not always better that people should be near to each other when they are engaged?"
"You can ask her, if you like. I doubt whether she will come."