[John Halifax Gentleman by Dinah Maria Mulock Craik]@TWC D-Link bookJohn Halifax Gentleman CHAPTER XXIII 14/34
She dropped her eyes and began playing with her bracelets. Both immediately quitted the subject of Kingswell election. Soon after we rose from table; and Guy, who had all dinner-time fixed his admiring gaze upon the "pretty lady," insisted on taking her down the garden and gathering for her a magnificent arum lily, the mother's favourite lily.
I suggested gaining permission first; and was sent to ask the question. I found John and his wife in serious, even painful conversation. "Love," he was saying, "I have known it for very long; but if she had not come here, I would never have grieved you by telling it." "Perhaps it is not true," said Ursula, warmly.
"The world is ready enough to invent cruel falsehoods about us women." "'Us women!' Don't say that, Ursula.
I will not have my wife named in the same breath with HER." "John!" "I will not, I say.
You don't know what it cost me even to see her touch your hand." "John!" The soft tone recalled him to his better self. "Forgive me! but I would not have the least taint come near this wife of mine.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|