“At least, Miss Dexter, permit me to ask whether Muriel is connected with the cause of your disquiet?”
“My pupil is, I fear, very unhappy; but she withholds much from me since she learned my disapproval of her approaching marriage.”
“Will you acquaint me with your objections to Mr. Granville?”
“Against Mr. Granville, the gentleman, I have nothing to urge; but I could not consent to see Muriel wed a man, who, I am convinced, has no affection for her.”
“Have you told her this?”
“Repeatedly; and, of course, my frankness has offended and alienated her. Oh, Dr. Grey! the child totters on the brink of a flower-veiled precipice, and will heed no warning. Perhaps I should libel Mr. Granville were I to impute mercenary motives to him,—perhaps he fancied he loved Muriel when he addressed her,—I hope so, for the honor of manhood; but the glamour was brief, and certainly he must be aware that he has not proper affection for her now.”
“And yet, she is very lovable and winning.”
“Yes,—to you and to me; but her good qualities are not those which gentlemen find most attractive. What is Christian purity and noble generosity of soul, in comparison with physical perfection? Muriel often reminds me of one whom I loved devotedly, whose unselfish and unsuspicious nature 400 wrought the ruin of her happiness; and from her miserable fate I would fain save my pupil.”
He knew from the tremor of her lips and hands, and the momentary contraction of her fair brow, to whom she alluded; and both sighed audibly.
“My convictions coincide so entirely with yours, that I have had an interview with my ward, and withdrawn my consent to her marriage until she is of age.”