“Don't you think,” he said, speaking in curiously measured tones, “that, in the circumstances, it will be a little awkward Mrs. Durward's coming here just now?”
Sara disclaimed the idea, pointing out that it was the very completeness of Elisabeth's conception of friendship which was bringing her to Monkshaven.
“When does she come?” asked Trent.
“On Thursday. I'm very anxious for you to meet her, Garth. She is so thoroughly charming. I think it is splendid of her not to let my broken engagement with Tim make any difference between us. Most mothers would have borne a grudge for that!”
“And you think Mrs. Durward has overlooked it?”—with a curious smile.
Sara enthusiastically assured him that this was the case.
“I wonder!” he said meditatively. “It would be very unlike Elis—unlike any woman”—he corrected himself hastily—“to give up a fixed idea so easily.”
“Well”—Sara laughed gaily. “Nowadays you can't compel a person to marry the man she doesn't want—nor prevent her from marrying the man she does.”
“I don't know. A determined woman can do a good deal.”
“But Elisabeth isn't a bit the determined type of female you're evidently imagining,” protested Sara, amused. “She is very beautiful and essentially feminine—rather a wonderful kind of person, I think. Wait till you see her!”