But I
could not act with this business-like indifference towards Miss
Fairlie. I had an honest feeling of affection and admiration for
her--I remembered gratefully that her father had been the kindest
patron and friend to me that ever man had--I had felt towards her
while I was drawing the settlement as I might have felt, if I had
not been an old bachelor, towards a daughter of my own, and I was
determined to spare no personal sacrifice in her service and where
her interests were concerned. Writing a second time to Mr.
Fairlie was not to be thought of--it would only be giving him a
second opportunity of slipping through my fingers. Seeing him and
personally remonstrating with him might possibly be of more use.
The next day was Saturday. I determined to take a return ticket
and jolt my old bones down to Cumberland, on the chance of
persuading him to adopt the just, the independent, and the
honourable course. It was a poor chance enough, no doubt, but
when I had tried it my conscience would be at ease. I should then
have done all that a man in my position could do to serve the
interests of my old friend's only child.
The weather on Saturday was beautiful, a west wind and a bright
sun.
Pages:
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268