‘I trust that I, of all people, understand that it is not wealth and riches which make true happiness, and I shall be glad if you will assure Lady Eliza Lamont that you have my consent in addressing the young lady who is under her protection. I shall hope to become acquainted with her before she enters our family, and also with her ladyship.
‘I remain, my dear Crauford,
‘Your affectionate mother,
‘LOUISA CHARLOTTE FORDYCE.
‘P.S.—When do you intend to return home?’
She ran her eyes over the paper and returned it to Fullarton.
‘From my sister that is a great deal,’ he observed; ‘more than you can imagine. She has always been a difficulty. As children we suffered from her, for she was the eldest, and my life was made hard by her when I was a little boy. Thomas Fordyce has had some experiences, I fancy.’
‘And this is what you propose for Cecilia?’ exclaimed Lady Eliza.
‘My dear friend, they would not live together; Crauford will take care of that.’
‘And Cecilia too. She will never marry him, Fullarton. She has told me so already. I should like to see Lady Fordyce’s face when she hears that he has been refused!’ she burst out.