Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/30

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THE TENANT

it. After staring a moment in mute surprise, she said—

"Well Helen, I suppose I ought to congratulate you—and I am glad to see you so happy; but I did not think you would take him; and I can't help feeling surprised that you should like him so much."

"Why so?"

"Because you are so superior to him in every way, and there's something so bold—and reckless about him—so, I don't know how—but I always feel a wish to get out of his way, when I see him approach."

"You are timid, Milicent, but that's no fault of his."

"And then his look," continued she. "People say he's handsome, and of course he is, but I don't like that kind of beauty; and I wonder that you should."

"Why so, pray?"

"Well, you know, I think there's nothing noble or lofty in his appearance."