‘If I ought, I suppose I can,’ said Amy in a voice exhausted with crying.
‘That’s right, darling. You will not be weak, and pine for one who is not worthy.’
‘Not worthy, Laura?’ said Amy, withdrawing her arm, and holding up her head.
‘Ah! my poor Amy, we thought—’
‘Yes; and it is so still. I know it is so. I know he did not do it.’
‘Then what do you think of Margaret and Philip?’
‘There is some mistake.’
And how can you defend what he said of papa?’
‘I don’t,’ said Amy, hiding her face. ‘That is the worst; but I am sure it was only a moment’s passion, and that he must be very unhappy about it now. I don’t think papa would mind it, at least not long, if it was not for this other dreadful misapprehension. O, Laura! why cannot something be done to clear it up?’
‘Everything will be done,’ said Laura. Papa has written to Mr. Wellwood, and Philip means to go and make inquiries at Oxford and St. Mildred’s.’