"Let us review this misfortune, for I see you consider it as such," said he.
"No, not quite a misfortune," said she. "But, certainly, if I had known Dr. Nicholls' opinion—" she hesitated.
"You see the advantage of always consulting me," he continued gravely. "Here is Cynthia engaged—"
"Not engaged, I told you before. He would not allow it to be considered an engagement on her part."
"Well, entangled in a love-affair with a lad of three-and-twenty, with nothing beyond his fellowship and a chance of inheriting an encumbered estate; no profession even, abroad for two years, and I must go and tell his father all about it to-morrow."
"Oh dear! Pray say that, if he dislikes it, he has only to express his opinion."
"I don't think you can act without Cynthia in the affair. And if I am not mistaken, Cynthia will have a pretty stout will of her own on the subject."
"Oh, I don't think she cares for him very much; she is not one to be always falling in love, and she does not take things very deeply to heart. But, of course, one would not do anything abruptly; two years' absence gives one plenty of time to turn oneself in."
"But a little while ago we were threatened with consumption and an early death if Cynthia's affections were thwarted."
"Oh, you dear creature, how you remember all my silly words! It might be, you know. Poor dear Mr. Kirkpatrick was consumptive, and Cynthia may have inherited it, and a great sorrow might bring out the latent seeds. At times I am so fearful. But I daresay it is not probable, for I don't think she takes things very deeply to heart."