"If my cause is not a just one," said Charlotte, "no appeal of mine will avail with Mrs. Grantham. God forbid that I should step between you and her; but I have my future to look to, as you have yours, and I am weary of the life I have led. A happier life is offered to me, and I cannot relinquish it at your bidding without an effort. If I tamely submitted to your will I should be unworthy of the gentleman who has honored me with his love."
"We will leave that gentleman, as you call him, out of the question. The contention lies between you and me, and I am free to confess that you have the advantage of me. I am no match for you, Charlotte. You are far too clever and cunning for me, and the feelings I entertain for the lady whose name has been dragged into this unhappy discussion place me at your mercy. I have made no secret of these feelings; I have foolishly bared my breast to you and you tread upon it. I yield; I hold out a flag of truce. You will give me time to consider your proposition? It comes upon me as a surprise, you know. I was not prepared for it."
"Yes, Fox, I will give you time," said Charlotte, somewhat bewildered at finding herself master of the situation. She had not expected so sudden a victory. "But there is one thing I wish you would ask mother to do at once."
"What is it, Charlotte?"
"Let me have my clothes that are in her wardrobe. I am wretched and miserable in these."
"You will give them to her, mother," said Mr. Fox-Cordery; and his mother, taking the cue, replied:
"She can have them; I have only kept them in my room to take proper care of them."
"There, Charlotte, you have nothing now to complain of."
"But you have not answered me yet, Fox," said Charlotte, resolved not to lose sight of the main point.
"About the money you ask for? May I inquire if you are in a great hurry to get married?"