"Because that would leave her an unhappy, sickly old maid," retorted Madame. "Because that would leave you without grandchildren."
Ravenel rose and walked the room with a melancholy step and a countenance full of trouble. Suddenly he stopped short and turned upon Mrs. Larue a look of anxious inquiry.
"I hope you have not observed in Lillie any inclination towards this—this idea."
"Not the slightest," replied Madame, lying frankly, and without the slightest hesitation or confusion.
"And you have not broached it to her?"
"Never!" affirmed the lady solemnly, which was another whopper.
"I sincerely hope that you will not. Oblige me, I beg you, by promising that you will not."
"If such is your pleasure," sighed Madame. "Well—I promise."
"I am so much obliged to you," said the Doctor.
"I know that there is a difference in age," Mrs. Larue recommenced, thereby insinuating that that was the only objection to the match that she could imagine: but her brother-in-law solemnly shook his head, as if to say that he had other reasons for opposition compared with which this was a trifle: and so, after taking a sharp look at him, she judged it wise to drop the subject.