"I applied all the remedies with my own hands; I cut her laces with my own scissors, I completely wetted her head through with cold water; I remained with her until she was quite exhausted--I took her in my arms, and folded her to my bosom; I sent every body out of the room; I said, 'Dear child, confide in me.' And how were my advances--my motherly advances--met?
I have already told you.

By heartless secrecy.
By undutiful silence." Sir Patrick pressed the blister a little closer to the skin.

"She was probably afraid to speak," he said.
"Afraid?
Oh!" cried Lady Lundie, distrusting the evidence of her own senses.

"You can't have said that?
I have evidently misapprehended you.
You didn't really say, afraid ?" "I said she was probably afraid--" "Stop! I can't be told to my face that I have failed to do my duty by Blanche.

No, Sir Patrick! I can bear a great deal; but I can't bear that.