And it must not be. You must leave her free
till she has seen more of the world, and her mind is more mature."
"Free till another wins her from me," interrupted Mr. Hastings,
somewhat bitterly; and his sister answered, "I am sure that will
never be, though were you now to startle her with your love she
probably would refuse you."
"_Never_" he said emphatically; and Mrs. Elliott replied, "I
think she would. She respects and admires you, but as you have
looked upon her as a child, so in like manner has she regarded you
as a father, or, at least the husband of Ella, and such
impressions must have time to wear away. You would not take her
with you, and it is better to leave her as she is. I will watch
over her and seek to make her what your wife ought to be, and when
you return she will be older, will be capable of judging for
herself, and she will not tell you no. Do you not think my
reasoning good?"
"I suppose it is," he replied, "though it is sadly at variance
with my wishes. Were I sure no one would come between us, I could
more easily follow your advice, and were it not that I go for
_her_ I would give up my journey at once, and stay where I
could watch and see that no one came near.
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