"
"I do not think," said her father, "that there is anything to be
apprehended on her part. She is the most unselfish and disinterested
girl that ever existed, and sooner than give her mother or me a pang, I
am sure she would make any sacrifice; but at the same time," he added,
"if her own happiness were involved in the matter, I should certainly
accept no such sacrifice at her hands."
"As to that, Mr. Goodwin," she replied, "I hope we need calculate upon
nothing on her part but a willing consent and obedience. At all events,
it is but natural that they should be pretty frequently in each other's
society, and that my son should have an opportunity of inspiring her
with good will towards him, if not a still warmer feeling. The matter
being now understood, of course, that is and will be his exclusive
privilege."
"Your observations, my dear madam, are but reasonable and natural,"
replied Goodwin. "Why, indeed, should it be otherwise, considering their
contemplated relation to each other? Of course, we shall be delighted
to see him here as often as he chooses to come, and so, I am sure, will
Alice.
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