"It is very true, sir, that I did accompany Miss Henderson several times to the Opera; but I am not at all aware that my attention was more taken up by the young lady than good manners absolutely required. I have a recollection that Miss Henderson did very frequently address herself to me on the subject of the performance, more frequently perhaps than was consistent with a proper attention to the stage, and of course I could do no less than reply: that was the substance of the attention which I paid to Miss Henderson in public. I am surprised to find that any one should from such circumstances have raised the story of my intention of marrying the young lady."
"You may be as much surprised as you will; but the fact is, that the story comes from Miss Henderson herself, or at all events she has not denied it when it has been mentioned to her, and that is nearly the same."
Markham knew that Mr. Martindale was not addicted to playing off practical jokes, and therefore he did not disbelieve what he said; and he was also aware that the old gentleman would not take up a story merely at random, without some good authority, therefore it appeared that the information was correct; and then, for the first time in his life, Markham began to think it possible that there were such beings as forward young ladies, and that all individuals of the sex were not equally difficult to woo and to win. All that he could do at present was to assure Mr. Martindale that Miss Henderson had formed an incorrect conclusion, and to take blame to himself for not having wisdom and attention to see before that which was now so very obvious. Mr. Martindale, however, who was a more experienced man than the young barrister, presently saw how the case stood, and pitied the unfortunate young man most sincerely.
"I see," said he, "how the matter is. The fact is, you have unwarily committed yourself; and the young lady is of opinion that your attentions meant more than you designed them to mean. I do not know how to advise you, you must use your own judgment, and do the best you can for yourself. If you have no objection to the young lady, there is no harm done; and if you require a little help at the commencement of housekeeping, I will stand your friend. I have no doubt of your success in your profession; but perhaps at present, as Miss Henderson cannot have any fortune, you may find a friend's assistance not unacceptable."
This was uttered in Mr. Martindale's usual frank and abrupt manner; and on the part of Markham, it was felt to be very generous and kind, and he acknowledged it accordingly. But there were two matters to which he felt strong objections; viz. to marrying where there was not on his part much or indeed any affection, and also to the accepting pecuniary favors from a comparative stranger. These were certainly difficulties not easy to be surmounted. And when Mr. Martindale left the young gentleman to his meditations, those meditations were not the most pleasant.
CHAPTER XVI.
"I should before
Have done that duty to him; but I thought
My visits were not welcome."
May.