Mary trusted
me; and Mary shall not regret her confidence.'
'Ah! it was different with Lesbia,' sighed Lady Maulevrier. 'I taught
her to be ambitious. She had been schooled to set a high price upon
herself. I know she cared for you--very much, even. But she could not
face poverty; or, if you like, I will say that she could not face an
obscure existence--sacrifice her ambition, a justifiable ambition in one
so lovely, at the bidding of her first wooer. And then, again, she was
told that if she married you, she would for ever forfeit my regard. You
must not blame her for obeying me.'
'I do not blame her; for I have won the peerless pearl--the jewel above
all price--a perfect woman. And now, dear Lady Maulevrier, give me but
your consent, and I am off to York this afternoon, to interview the
Archbishop, and get the special licence, which will allow me to wed my
darling here by your couch to-morrow afternoon.'
'I have no objection to your getting the licence immediately; but you
must let me write a cheque before you go. A special licence is
expensive--I believe it costs fifty pounds.
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