"That's what I want, too," said the warden.
"And to prevent that," continued the other, "we mustn't let any talk of resignation get abroad."
"But I shall resign," said the warden, very, very meekly.
"Good heavens! Susan, my dear, what can I say to him?"
"But, papa," said Mrs Grantly, getting up, and putting her arm through that of her father, "what is Eleanor to do if you throw away your income?"
A hot tear stood in each of the warden's eyes as he looked round upon his married daughter. Why should one sister who was so rich predict poverty for another? Some such idea as this was on his mind, but he gave no utterance to it. Then he thought of the pelican feeding its young with blood from its own breast, but he gave no utterance to that either; and then of Eleanor waiting for him at home, waiting to congratulate him on the end of all his trouble.
"Think of Eleanor, papa," said Mrs Grantly.
"I do think of her," said her father.
"And you will not do this rash thing?" The lady was really moved beyond her usual calm composure.
"It can never be rash to do right," said he. "I shall certainly resign this wardenship."