"I believe it, my poor Malcolm," she returned, "quite as much as
I want, or as it is pleasant to believe it. I think you would do a
great deal for me, Malcolm. But then you are so rude! take things
into your hands, and do things for me I don't want done! You will
judge, not only for yourself, but for me! How can a man of your
training and position judge for a lady of mine! Don't you see the
absurdity of it? At times it has been very awkward indeed. Perhaps
when I am married it might be arranged; but I don't know."
Here Malcolm ground his teeth, but was otherwise irresponsive as
block of stone.
"How would a gamekeeper's place suit you? That is a half gentlemanly
kind of post. I will speak to the factor, and see what can be
done.--But on the whole I think, Malcolm, it will be better you
should go. I am very sorry. I wish you had not told me. It is very
painful to me. You should not have told me. These things are not
intended to be talked of--Suppose you were to marry--say--"
She stopped abruptly, and it was well both for herself and Malcolm
that she caught back the name that was on her lips.
The poor girl must not be judged as if she had been more than a
girl, or other than one with every disadvantage of evil training.
Had she been four or five years older, she might have been a good
deal worse, and have seemed better, for she would have kept much
of what she had now said to herself, and would perhaps have treated
her brother more kindly while she cared even less for him.
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