“Oh no,” said Walter hastily, and blushing vividly. “I am aware of that. But it is—a desirable possession.”
“If it were a diamond ring, or a kingdom, I should feel the same about it!” said Mrs Kingsworth. “It has come to us through ill-doing.”
“But—what shall I do? I cannot urge her to yield what she may afterwards learn the value of, and—it is a question on which I cannot enter. Besides, she—she is entirely indifferent and unconscious; it would take time to win her, if ever I could. Have I a chance? What is my best hope?”
He looked very wistful and melancholy, having evidently for the moment forgotten Kingsworth in Katharine.
Mrs Kingsworth looked interested and perplexed. “I do not know,” she said, “I do not know Katharine’s feelings. I think she is fond of you; but, sometimes I have doubted her having much power of attachment.”
“Why—she is full of feeling!” exclaimed the lover indignantly.
“Is she? I think she puzzles me. But I do see that she must be left to her own decision. Perhaps,” she added with an odd sort of dignity, “we had better renew this conversation after she is of age, and till then, let things go on as usual.”
“It is perhaps the best way,” said Walter. “Then you do not send me away, till next week, till my visit is over.”
“No, I do not see why I should. And you know she has almost promised me to decide as we wish.”
Walter was more grateful for the unconscious evidence of trust shown in that “we,” than for a thousand protestations. Mrs Kingsworth continued after a little pause, “and probably, if her feelings are in your favour, your view will unconsciously influence her.”