"I am so sorry that it should be so, papa, because it vexes you."
"I have many things to vex me;—things to break my heart."
"Poor mamma!" she exclaimed.
"Yes; that above all others. But life and death are in God's hands, and even though we may complain we can alter nothing. But whatever our sorrows are while we are here, we must do our duty."
"I suppose he may be a good Member of Parliament, though he has turned Conservative."
"I am not thinking about your brother. I am thinking about you." The poor girl gave a little start on the sofa. "Do you know—Mr. Tregear?" he added.
"Yes, papa; of course I know him. You used to see him in Italy."
"I believe I did; I understand that he was there as a friend of Silverbridge."
"His most intimate friend, papa."
"I dare say. He came to me, in London yesterday, and told me—! Oh Mary, can it be true?"