It was
only too plain that the course Laura had adopted the day before
had offered him the advantage if he chose to take it--and that he
HAD chosen to take it. I felt this at the time, and I feel it
just as strongly now, while I write these lines, in my own room.
The one hope left is that his motives really spring, as he says
they do, from the irresistible strength of his attachment to
Laura.
Before I close my diary for to-night I must record that I wrote
to-day, in poor Hartright's interest, to two of my mother's old
friends in London--both men of influence and position. If they
can do anything for him, I am quite sure they will. Except Laura,
I never was more anxious about any one than I am now about Walter.
All that has happened since he left us has only increased my
strong regard and sympathy for him. I hope I am doing right in
trying to help him to employment abroad--I hope, most earnestly
and anxiously, that it will end well.
11th.--Sir Percival had an interview with Mr. Fairlie, and I was
sent for to join them.
I found Mr. Fairlie greatly relieved at the prospect of the
"family worry" (as he was pleased to describe his niece's
marriage) being settled at last. So far, I did not feel called on
to say anything to him about my own opinion, but when he
proceeded, in his most aggravatingly languid manner, to suggest
that the time for the marriage had better be settled next, in
accordance with Sir Percival's wishes, I enjoyed the satisfaction
of assailing Mr.
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