‘I trust he did! I have long thought he only kept her aloof from habit, and felt kindly towards her all the time.’
‘And never could persuade himself to make a move towards her until too late,’ said Albinia.
‘Yes. Nothing comes home to one more than the words, “Agree with thine adversary quickly whiles thou art in the way with him.” If once one comes to think there’s creditable pride in holding out, there’s no end to it, or else too much end.’
‘Mr. Goldsmith was persevering in the example his father had set him,’ said Mr. Kendal.
‘Ay! my mother never blamed either, and I’m afraid, if the truth were told, my father was hot enough too, though it would all have been bygones with him long ago, if they would have let it. But I was thinking just then of my own foolishness last winter, when I would not grant you it was pride, Mrs. Kendal, for fear I should have to repent of it.’
‘What has brought you to see that it was?’ asked she.
‘One comes to a better mind when the fit is off,’ he said. ‘I hope I will not be as bad next time.’
‘I hope we shall never give you a next time,’ said Albinia; ‘for neither party is comfortable, perched on a high horse.’
‘And you see,’ continued Ulick, ‘it is hard for us to give up our pride, because it is the only thing we’ve got of our own, and has been meat, drink, and clothing to us for many a year.’
‘So no wonder you make the most of it.’