--But I do so wish you would let me know your own
thoughts about this. You have so much claim to be considered. Maud
is in reality yours far more than she is ours. Will it--do you
think now it will really be for our own happiness? Will the
explanation you are able to give be satisfactory to her? What will
be her attitude towards us? You know her character--you understand
her."
"If the future could be all as calm as the past year has been," said
Miss Bygrave, "I should have nothing to urge against your wishes."
"And this will contribute to it," exclaimed Enderby. "This would
give Emily the very support she needs."
Miss Bygrave looked into his face, which had a pleading earnestness,
and a deep pity lay in her eyes.
"Let it be so," she said with decision. "I myself have much hope
from Maud's influence. I will write and tell her not to renew her
engagement, and she will be with us at the end of September."
"But you will not tell her anything till she comes?"
"No."
Miss Bygrave lived in all but complete severance from the world.
When Maud Enderby was at school, she felt strongly and painfully the
contrast between her own home life and that of her companions.
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