'I know everything that has passed between them,' said Gertrude. 'I never gave Harry any encouragement. As soon as I understood my own feelings I endeavoured to make him understand them also.'
'But, my dearest, no one is blaming you.'
'But you are blaming Alaric.'
'Indeed I am not, Gertrude.'
'No man could have behaved more honourably to his friend,' said Gertrude; 'no man more nobly; and if Harry does not feel it so, he has not the good heart for which I always gave him credit.'
'Poor fellow! his friendship for Alaric will be greatly tried.'
'And, mamma, has not Alaric's friendship been tried? and has it not borne the trial nobly? Harry told him of—of—of his intentions; Harry told him long, long, long ago——'
'Ah me!—poor Harry!' sighed Mrs. Woodward.
'But you think nothing of Alaric!'
'Alaric is successful, my dear, and can——' Think sufficiently of himself, Mrs. Woodward was going to say, but she stopped herself.