"If you will only talk to him for ten minutes he will remove your
scruples,--satisfy you that all is as it should be," asserted Mrs.
Sutton, more confidently to him than herself.
"I trust it will be as you say--but credulity is not my besetting
sin. I am ready to see the gentleman at any hour you and he may see
fit to appoint."
"I will send MR. CHILTON to you at once, then." Mrs, Sutton
collected the scattering remnants of hope and resolution, that she
might deal a parting shot.
"Winston is an AWFUL trial to my temper, although he never loses his
own," she was wont to soliloquize, in the lack of a confidante to
whom she could expatiate upon his eccentricities and general
untowardness. His marked avoidance of Frederic's name in this
conference savored to her of insulting meaning. She had rather he
had coupled it with opprobious epithets whenever he referred to him,
than spoken of him as "this" or "that gentleman." If he took this
high and chilly tone, with Mabel's wooer, there was no telling what
might be the result of the affair.
"Don't mind him if he is stiff and uncompromising for a while," she
enjoined upon Frederic, in apprising him of the seignior's readiness
to grant him audience, "It is only his way, and he is Mabel's
brother."
"I will bear the latter hint in mind," rejoined the young man, with
the gay, affectionate smile he often bestowed upon her." I don't
believe he can awe me into resignation of my purpose, or provoke me
into dislike of the rest of the family."
Mabel was in her aunt's room, plying her with queries, hard to be
evaded, touching the tenor and consequences of her recent
negotiations, when a servant brought a message from her brother. She
was wanted in the study. The girl turned very white, as she prepared
to obey, without an idea of delay or of refusal.
"O Auntie! what if he should order me to give Frederic up!" she
ejaculated, pausing at the door, in an agony of trepidation. "I
never disobeyed him in my life."
"He will not do that, dear, never fear! He can find no pretext for
such summary proceedings. And should he oppose your wishes, be firm
of purpose, and do not forsake your affianced husband," advised the
old lady, solemnly. "There is a duty which takes precedence, in the
sight of Heaven and man, of that you owe your brother. Remember
this, and take courage."