so stiffly, he did it coldly. His bow seemed to say, 'Certainly if you choose to make a proper amende it can be done; but I think it is very unlikely that you will do so.'
'Beatrice is just going to be married, you know that, doctor.' The doctor said that he did know it. 'And it will be so pleasant that Mary should make one of us. Poor Beatrice; you don't know what she has suffered!'
'Yes,' said the doctor, 'there has been suffering, I am sure; suffering on both sides.'
'You cannot wonder that we should be anxious about Frank, Dr. Thorne; an only son, and the heir to an estate that has been so very long in the family:' and Lady Arabella put her handkerchief to her eyes, as though these facts were in themselves melancholy, and not to be thought of by a mother without some soft tears. 'Now I wish you could tell me what your views are, in a friendly manner, between ourselves. You won't find me unreasonable.'
'My views, Lady Arabella?'
'Yes, doctor; about your niece, you know: you must have views of some sort; that's of course. It occurs to me, that psrhaps we are all in the dark together. If so, a little candid speaking between you and me may set it all right.'
Lady Arabella's career had not hitherto been conspicuous for candour, as far as Dr. Thorne had been able to judge of it; but that was no reason why he should not respond to so very becoming an invitation on her part. He had no objection to a little candid speaking; at least, so he declared. As to his views with regard to Mary, they were merely these: that he would make her as happy and comfortable as he could while she remained with him; and that he would give her his blessing—for he had nothing else to give her—when she left him;—if ever she should do so.
Now, it will be said that the doctor was not very candid in this; not more so, perhaps, than was Lady Arabella herself. But when one is specially invited to be candid, one is naturally set upon one's guard. Those who by disposition are most open, are apt to become crafty when so admonished. When a man says to you, 'Let us be candid with each other,' you feel instinctively that he desires to squeeze you without giving a drop of water himself.
'Yes; but about Frank,' said Lady Arabella.
'About Frank!' said the doctor, with an innocent look, which her ladyship could hardly interpret.
'What I mean is this, can you give me your word that these
