“I'm not at liberty to talk over this matter with you, Tony. Whatever I know, I know as a thing confided to me in honor.”
“I only asked, Was the reason one that you yourself were satisfied with?”
“It was, and is,” replied she, gravely.
“Do you think, from what you know, that Dolly would listen to any representations I might make her? for I know M'Grader thoroughly, and can speak of him as a friend likes to speak.”
“No, no, Tony; don't do it! don't do it!” cried she, with a degree of emotion that perfectly amazed him, for the tears swam in her eyes, and her lips trembled as she spoke. He stared fixedly at her; but she turned away her head, and for some minutes neither spoke.
“Come, mother,” said Tony, at last, and in his kindliest voice, “you have a good head of your own; think of some way to prevent the poor old doctor from going off into exile.”
“How could we help him that he would not object to?”
“What if you were to hit upon some plan of adopting Dolly? You have long loved her as if she were your own daughter, and she has returned your affections.”
“That she has,” muttered the old lady, as she wiped her eyes.
“What use is this new wealth of ours if it benefit none but ourselves, mother? Just get the doctor to talk it all over with you, and say to him, 'Have no fears as to Dolly; she shall never be forced to marry against her inclinations,—merely for support; her home shall be here with us, and she shall be no dependant, neither.' I'll take care of that.”