‘Violet, I will try to endure it; but if I cannot—if you hear of me as doing what you will disapprove, will you refrain from giving me up, and at least be sorry for me?’
After what Lord Martindale had said, Violet could guess at her meaning. ‘Certainly, dear Theodora. You would not do it if it was wrong?’
‘You know what I mean?’
‘I think I do.’
‘And you are not infinitely shocked?’
‘No; for you would not do it unless you could rightly.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘Not if there was—anything remaining—of the former—’
‘You are a good little thing, Violet,’ said Theodora, trying to laugh; ‘nearly as simple as your daughter. You will save her a great deal of trouble, if you tame her while she is young.’
Then came a pause, lasting till Theodora thought she heard the carriage.