I don't think the Goodwins at all mercenary or
selfish, but it is quite possible that they may look upon Harry as the
heir of his uncle's wealth; and, after all, Charley, nature is nature;
that may influence them even unconsciously, and yet I am not in a
condition to undeceive them."
"Father," said Charles, "all I would suggest is, as I said before, a
little patience for the present; wait a while until we learn how Alice
herself will act. I am sorry to say that I perceived what I believe to
be an equivocation on the part of my mother in her allusion to Alice. I
think it will be found by and by that her personal consent has not been
given; and, what is more, that she was not present at all during
their conversation on the subject. If she was, however, and became a
consenting party to the proposal, then I say now, as I said before, you
have no right to interfere in the business."
"What keeps him out so late at night? I mean occasionally. He is out two
or three nights every week until twelve or one o'clock. Now, you
know, in the present state of the country, that it is not safe.
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