"Then go. Do you think I would keep a Briton from his duties?"
"Not though the constitution should fall in ruins. Do you suppose that a man wants no rest after inspecting all the pots and pans in that establishment? A woman, I believe, could go on doing that kind of thing all day long."
"You should remember at least that the—woman was interesting herself about your pots and pans."
"And now, Bella, tell me what the governor said to you." Then she showed him the ring. "Did he give you that?" She nodded her head in assent. "I did not think he would ever have parted with that."
"It was your mother's."
"She wore it always. I almost think that I never saw her hand without it. He would not have given you that unless he had meant to be very good to you."
"He was very good to me. Silverbridge, I have a great deal to do, to learn to be your wife."
"I'll teach you."
"Yes; you'll teach me. But will you teach me right? There is something almost awful in your father's serious dignity and solemn appreciation of the responsibilities of his position. Will you ever come to that?"
"I shall never be a great man as he is."