"I have given you my promise," she said, coldly, "is not that enough?"
There was no room in the little inn for either, but Margaret took some lodgings. It was the best, as their presence would have agitated Grace too much.
Mr. Sandford found a new Margaret in the cold, calm resolute girl before him.
She told him shortly and very quietly that she had promised to marry Mr. Drayton.
"But I no longer wish it," he said eagerly, and hoping to see her soften and change. Her hard, cold expression was a terrible disappointment.
"I have promised," she answered, "and I wanted you to come because, if I do this, it is for Grace; and you must manage for me, that, if I live or die, Grace will be cared for. She must have plenty, always. You are wise about things, and clever. I give my life, and Grace must have plenty."
"But, Margaret! Is Grace worth this? A tiresome, wrong-headed, selfish creature——"
"Please spare her to me!" said Margaret, passionately; "she is my sister, and I love her."
"But surely——"
"I have promised," repeated Margaret, and Mr. Sandford controlled his temper. He said, quietly,