“I don't wonder at it,” said the baronet.
“But when I subsequently had an interview with Mrs. Calverley herself, my purpose changed. I found my affections were so strongly fixed, I could not execute my threat.”
“I am delighted to hear it,” said Lady Thick-nesse. “Such disinterested conduct does your lordship the greatest credit. Then I presume all will go on as before?”
“I hope so,” he replied. “But I am in doubt. Mrs. Calverley seems quite firm in her determination to break off the engagement.”
“But she has nothing to complain of,” remarked Sir Bridgnorth. “On the contrary, she is the sole cause of the misunderstanding. I take a totally different view of the matter from your lordship, and I suspect I am much nearer the truth. If she is now resolved to break off the match, it is because she is unwilling to lose her property.”
“Oh, pray don't put that unfair construction on her conduct!” exclaimed Lady Thicknesse.
“It seems to me quite natural,” said Sir Bridgnorth; “quite consistent with her character,” he added, in a whisper, to Lady Thicknesse.
“She seems very greatly troubled,” observed Lord Courland; “and if anything occurs in consequence, I shall never forgive myself.”
“Your lordship alarms yourself without reason, I think,” said Lady Thicknesse.
“You have not seen her this morning, I suppose?”