‘And there is my hope of you. Now for the next step.’
‘The next! what is it?’
‘Thankfully and meekly to accept the consequences of these sad errors.’
‘You mean this lonely, unsatisfactory life?’
‘And this displeasure of your father.’
‘But, indeed, he misjudges me.’
‘Have you ever given him the means of forming a different judgment?’
‘He has seen all. If I am distrusted, I cannot descend to justify myself.’
‘I am disappointed in you, Theodora. Where is your humility?’
With these words Mr. Martindale quitted her. He had divined that her feelings would work more when left to themselves, than when pressed, and so it proved.