“Really, I knew nothing about it! Of course I care for you, Cary. But what can I do?”
“Give that message to Hatty. Bid her, from me, break through the snares, and come. Then we can see what must be done next.”
“I will give her the message,” said Amelia, with what was energy for her. “Cary, I have had nothing to do with it, if something be wrong. I never even guessed it.”
“I don’t believe you have,” said I. “But tell me one thing, Emily: are they scheming to make Hatty marry Mr Crossland?”
“Most certainly not!” cried Amelia, with more warmth than I had thought was in her. “Impossible! Why, Mr Crossland is engaged to Marianne Newton.”
“Is Miss Marianne Newton a friend of yours?”
“Yes, the dearest friend I have.”
“Then you will be on my side. Keep your eyes and ears open, and find out what it is. I tell you, something is wrong. Put yourself in the breach; help Miss Marianne, if you like; but, for pity’s sake, save Hatty!”
“But what makes you suppose that what is wrong has anything to do with Mr Crossland?”
“I do not know why I fancy it; but I do. I cannot let the idea go. I do not like the look of him. He does not look like a true man.”