‘Do not talk about such things.’
‘You must not be childish, Violet; I am come as your best friend to give you advice. You ought to consider what would become of you if you were left with a family of young children, connected as you are. You depend entirely on one life, and you must not reckon on us, as you MUST see.’
‘I see,’ said Violet, only wanting him to cease.
‘Then you perceive I have your real interest in view when I tell you it is your duty to use what influence you have to get some provision made.’
‘Don’t go on, Albert. As my marriage was brought about, it would be improper in me to do anything of the kind.’
‘I only wished you to see what you have to trust to. Ah! by the bye, there’s the old aunt. Have not you expectations from her?’
‘No; she was so much offended at our marriage that there is no likelihood of her doing anything for us.’
‘Bless me! That’s a bad case! But you have been staying there. Can’t a pretty engaging thing like you manage to come round the old lady and get into her good graces?’
‘Albert! don’t talk so.’
‘Really, Violet, it is time to give up being a silly child. You ought not to throw away your true interests, or the time will come when you will be sorry, and remember what I said; but you are not to depend on me.’