“Help you?” he said in a stony way. “How can I help you?”
“I have striven so for this,” she continued, speaking hastily. “They have long been promised to each other, and it will be for the best.”
“For the best,” he said, slowly repeating her words.
“Richard has been very wild, but he has given me his word now. He has not been what he should, but this marriage will sober and save him. Eve is so sweet, and pure, and good.”
“So sweet—and pure—and good,” he repeated softly.
“She will influence him so—it will make him a good man.”
“If woman’s power can redeem, hers will,” he said, in the same low tone.
“But you hardly speak—you hardly say a word to me,” cried Mrs Glaire, piteously; “and I have striven so for this end. I prevailed upon him to end this lock-out, and he has given way to me, and all will be well.”
“Mrs Glaire,” said the vicar, sternly, “do you believe that your son has inveigled away that poor girl?”
“No, no,” she cried, “I am as certain of his innocence as that I sit here.”