'Very suddenly,' agreed Venetia.
'I never asked you whether you knew the cause, Venetia,' continued her mother, 'but I always concluded that you did. I suppose I was not in error?'
This was not a very agreeable inquiry. Venetia did not reply to it with her previous readiness and indifference. That indeed was impossible; but, with her accustomed frankness, after a moment's hesitation, she answered, 'Lord Cadurcis never specifically stated the cause to me, mamma; indeed I was myself surprised at his departure, but some conversation had occurred between us on the very morning he quitted Cadurcis, which, on reflection, I could not doubt occasioned that departure.'
'Lord Cadurcis preferred his suit to you, Venetia, and you rejected him?' said Lady Annabel.
'It is as you believe,' replied Venetia, not a little agitated.
'You did wisely, my child, and I was weak ever to have regretted your conduct.'
'Why should you think so, dearest mamma?'
'Whatever may have been the cause that impelled your conduct then,' said Lady Annabel, 'I shall ever esteem your decision as a signal interposition of Providence in your favour. Except his extreme youth, there was apparently no reason which should not have induced you to adopt a different decision. I tremble when I think what might have been the consequences.'
'Tremble, dearest mother?'
'Tremble, Venetia. My only thought in this life is the happiness of my child. It was in peril.