"I hope you will see that there are strong reasons for my reticence. Nevertheless, on reading this over, I feel that it is very likely that you may, even if you believe what I say, wish to disembarrass yourself of a charge who might quite possibly prove a difficulty should her guardian discover her place of refuge.
"But I am perfectly determined that, whatever happens, she shall not go back to a life she justly loathes—a life in which she would be ruined, body and soul. Should you decide not to keep her, I will fetch her away, take her abroad with me, and manage as best I can for her.
"I will add no more to a letter already long enough to need apology. Accept, then, madam, my profound thanks, and my assurance that, however you decide, I consider myself deeply your debtor. If you feel that you do not care to accept further responsibility in the matter, please let me know at once, as I must then make arrangements to fetch my sister.—I am, madam, your grateful and obliged servant,
"DAVID SMITH.
"P.S.—With the exception of the uncle in question, we have no relations."
CHAPTER XIII
THE FINISHED PRODUCT
But on a day whereof I think
One shall dip his hand to drink
In that still water of thy soul,
And its imaged tremors race
Over thy joy-troubled face...
From the hovering wing of Love
The warm stain shall flit roseal on thy cheek.
—FRANCIS THOMPSON.
Summer sunshine lay broad and calm upon the lawns at Normansgrave.
Over all brooded that peace and well-being, that calm which is like the hum of well-oiled machinery, or the sleeping of a top which, nevertheless, spins on in the apparent repose. It is pre-eminently a characteristic of English country life, this regulated prosperity, the result of long centuries of experiment, issuing in perfect achievement.