"And to prevent that," continued the other, "we mustn't let any talk of resignation get abroad."
"But I shall resign," said the warden, very, very, meekly.
"Good heavens! Susan, my dear, what can I say to him?"
"But, papa," said Mrs. Grantly, getting up, and putting her arm through that of her father, "what is Eleanor to do if you throw away your income?"
A hot tear stood in each of the warden's eyes as he looked round upon his married daughter. Why should one sister who was so rich predict poverty for another? some such idea as this was on his mind, but he gave no utterance to it. Then he thought of the pelican feeding its young with blood from its own breast, but he gave no utterance to that either; and then of Eleanor waiting for him at home, waiting to congratulate him on the end of all his trouble.
"Think of Eleanor, papa," said Mrs. Grantly.
"I do think of her," said her father.
"And you will not do this rash thing?" The lady was really moved beyond her usual calm composure.
"It can never be rash to do right," said he. "I shall certainly resign this wardenship."
"Then, Mr. Harding, there is nothing before you but ruin," said the archdeacon, now moved beyond all endurance. "Ruin both for you and Eleanor. How do you mean to pay the monstrous expenses of this action?"
Mrs. Grantly suggested that, as the action was abandoned, the costs would not be heavy.
"Indeed they will, my dear," continued he. "One cannot have the attorney-general up at twelve o'clock at night for nothing;—but of course your father has not thought of this."
"I will sell my furniture," said the warden.
"Furniture!" ejaculated the other, with a most powerful sneer.
