Yes, if Anna would but consent! But, that was the very thing she would not do.
After both her parents, who were so strangely unlike their high-minded child, had employed every means in their power to induce Anna to join their conspiracy by using the influence she had over van Nerekool, the girl had replied: “No, never!” just as firmly and just as resolutely as Charles himself had uttered those words in reply to Mrs. van Gulpendam in the garden of the Residence.
“No, never, never!” said the true-hearted girl as emphatically as it was possible to pronounce the words.
“But remember,” cried Laurentia, “his whole career depends upon the attitude you choose to assume in this matter!”
“Charles shall never condescend to seek promotion by stooping to a mean, dishonourable action,” was the girl’s reply.
“Anna!” shouted the Resident, in a furious rage, “take care what you say! I advise you to keep some check upon your tongue!”
“For goodness sake, Gulpie,” interposed Laurentia soothingly, “now do be quiet—anger will not mend matters.” And then turning again to her daughter, she continued: “And Anna, I wish you not to lose sight of the fact that the possibility of your union with van Nerekool depends wholly on your present line of conduct.”
“My union!” sadly exclaimed the poor girl.
“A woman who is really in love,” continued her mother, “has a very considerable amount of power to influence the man upon whom she has set her affections.”
“But, mother, do you then really wish me to try and persuade Charles to lend himself to an infamous breach of duty?”