, I think not. I think it would be dishonest as well as
ungenerous. I cannot bring myself to brook such delay. Of course I am
alive to the misfortune which has fallen upon her,--upon her and me,
too, should she ever become my wife. But it is one of those burdens
which a man should have shoulders broad enough to bear."

"Quite so, if she were your wife, or even if you were engaged to her.
Then honour would require it of you, as well as affection. As it is,
your honour does not require it, and I think you should hesitate, for
all our sakes, and especially for Edith's."

"It will do Edith no harm; and, mother, if you alone were concerned,
I think you would feel that it would not hurt you."

"I was not thinking of myself, Henry."

"As for my father, the very threats which he has used make me
conscious that I have only to measure the price. He has told me that
he will stop my allowance."

"But that may not be the worst. Think how you are situated. You are
the younger son of a man who will be held to be justified in making
an elder son, if he thinks fit to do so."

"I can only hope that he will be fair to Edith. If you will tell him
that from me, it is all that I will ask you to do."

"But you will see him yourself?"

"No, mother; not till I have been to Allington. Then I will see him
again or not, just as he pleases. I shall stop at Guestwick, and
will write to you a line from thence. If my father decides on doing
anything, let me know at once, as it will be necessary that I should
get rid of the lease of my house."

"Oh, Henry!"

"I have thought a great deal about it, mother, and I believe I am
right. Whether I am right or wrong, I shall do it. I will not ask
you now for any promise or pledge; but should Miss Crawley become my
wife, I hope that you at least will not refuse to see her as your
daughter." Having so spoken, he kissed his mother, and was about to
leave the room; but she held him by his arm, and he saw that her
eyes were full of tears. "Dearest mother, if I grieve you I am sorry
indeed."

"Not me, not me, not me," she said.

"For my father, I cannot help it. Had he not threatened me I should
have told him also. As he has done so, you must tell him. But give
him my kindest love."

"Oh, Henry; you will be ruined. You will, indeed. Can you not wait?
Remember how headstrong your father is, and yet how good;--and how he
loves you! Think of all that he has done for you. When did he refuse
you anything