But let us return to more
important matters. You are now in a very sensible frame of mind. You see
what my wishes are about you, and how reasonable they are. I should be
so happy, my darling child, if you would consider them sensibly, and
yield some little of your romantic views. I would not ask you unless
I were sure that this man loves you as you deserve, and in his own
character deserves your love."
"Then, father, will this content you, dear? Unless I hear something of
Erle Twemlow, to show that he is living, and still holds to me, in the
course of another twelvemonth, Lord Dashville, or anybody else, may
try--may try to take his place with me. Only I must not be worried--I
mean, I must not hear another word about it, until the time has quite
expired."
"It is a very poor concession, Faith. Surely you might say half a year.
Consider, it is nearly three years now--"
"No, papa, I should despise myself if I were so unjust to one so
unlucky. And I only go so much from my own wishes because you are such a
dear and good father. Not a bit of it for Lord Dashville's sake."
"Well, my poor darling," the Admiral replied, for he saw that she was
upon the brink of tears, and might hate Lord Dashville if further urged,
"half a loaf is better than no bread. If Dashville is worthy of your
constant heart, he will stand this long trial of his constancy. This is
the tenth day of August, 1804. I hope that the Lord may be pleased to
spare me till the 10th of August, 1805.
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