“I disapprove of it all, Dudley. It is sure to end ill.”
“For that matter, mother, so shall I! All I have asked from Fate this many a year is a deferred sentence; a long day, my Lord,—a long day!”
“Tell Sir William I am sorry I can't dine at the Priory to-day. It is one of my cruel headache-days. Say you found me looking very poorly. It puts him in good-humor to hear it; and if you can get away in the evening, come in to tea.”
“You will think of this loan I want,—won't you?”
“I 'll think of it, but I don't know what good thinking will do.” She paused, and after a few minutes' silence, said, “If you really are serious about taking up your abode at the Priory, you 'll have to get rid of the granddaughter.”
“We could marry her off easily enough.”
“You might, and you mightn't. If she marry to Sir William's satisfaction, he'll leave her all he has in the world.”
“Egad, he must have a rare taste in a son-in-law if he likes the fellow I 'll promote to the place.”
“You seem to forget, Dudley, that the young lady has a will of her own. She's a Lendrick too.”
“With all my heart, mother. She 'll not be a match for Lucy.”