When you came of age, father made you a
very generous allowance. After a time you preferred that he should
invest a large sum in a military commission for you; and you proposed to
live upon your pay,--a thing you never have even tried to do. Suddenly,
you find that the commission will not suit your more recent plans, and
you sell it. Ought not the money to go back to the estate, and you to
make a fresh arrangement with father about your allowance? That is my
idea."
"Foolishness! And pray what allowance would my father make me, after the
marriage I have contracted?"
"Now, you show your secret heart, Harry. You know you have no right to
expect one, and so you keep what is not yours. This sin also for the
woman whom you have put before every sentiment of love and honor."
"You were stubborn enough about Steve Latrigg."
"I was honorable; I was considerate for father, and did not put Stephen
before him. Do you think I would ever marry Stephen against father's
wish, or to the injury or suffering of any one whom I love? Certainly I
would marry no one else, but I gave father my word that I would wait for
his sanction. When people do right, things come right for them. But if
father had stood out twenty years, Steve and I would have waited. Ducie
gave us the same advice. 'Wait, children,' she said: 'I have seen many a
wilful match, and many a run-away match, but never one, never one that
prospered.
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