‘Better not have it done at all, then,’ said Mr. Kendal. ‘It is not essential. I will not have her made a spectacle.’
‘Will you only consult Mr. Dusautoy?’
‘I do not wish Mr. Dusautoy to interfere in my family regulations. I mean, that I have a great respect for him, but as a clergyman, and one wedded to form, he would not take into account the great evil of making a public display, and attracting attention to a girl of her age, station, and disposition. And, in fact,’ added Mr. Kendal, with the same scrupulous candour as his daughter always showed, ‘for the sake of my own position, and the effect of example, I should not wish this unfortunate omission to be known.’
‘I suspect,’ said Albinia, ‘that the example of repairing it would speak volumes of good.’
‘It is mere absurdity to speak of it!’ said Mr. Kendal. ‘The poor child is not to leave her couch yet for weeks.’
Sophy was told in the morning that the question was under consideration, and Lucy was strictly forbidden to mention the subject.
When next Mr. Kendal came to read with Sophy, she said imploringly, ‘Papa, have you thought?’
‘Yes,’ he said, ‘I have done so; but your mamma thinks, and, on examination of the subject, I perceive she is right, that the service has no meaning unless it take place in the church.’
‘Yes,’ said Sophy; ‘but you know I am to be allowed to go about in July.’
‘You will hardly be equal to any fatigue even then, I fear, my dear; and you would find this publicity extremely trying and unpleasant.’