'One doesn't expect such things to seriously weigh--I mean, of course, when there is reason on the man's side.

What distresses me is the personal recklessness of the step.' 'Perhaps that is not so great as it appears,' put in Mrs.Baxendale, quietly.
'You defend him ?' exclaimed Mrs.Birks.
'I'm not sure that I should do so, but I want to explain how Beatrice regards it.' '_She_ defends him ?' cried Mr.Athel.
'Yes, she does.

At present there is only one thing I fear for her, and that is a refusal on your part to carry out her wishes.

Beatrice has made up her mind that as little trouble as possible shall result.

I bring, in fact, the most urgent request from her that you, Mr.Athel, and you, Mrs.Birks, will join in a sort of conspiracy to make things smooth for Wilfrid.