There is not the least connection between us and them."
"No, but much love; and love that has lasted from childhood. I cannot
remember the time when I have not loved Lucy Hardinge."
"Quite true--nor I. Lucy is an excellent girl, and one is almost
certain of always retaining a strong regard for _her_. How
singularly the prospects of the Hardinges are changed by this sudden
liking of Mrs. Bradfort!"
"It is not sudden, Miles. You have been absent years, and forget how
much time there has been to become intimate and attached. Mr. Hardinge
and Mrs. Bradfort are sister's children; and the fortune of the last,
which, I am told, exceeds six thousand a-year, in improving real
estate in town, besides the excellent and valuable house in which she
lives, came from their common grandfather, who cut off Mrs. Hardinge
with a small legacy, because she married a clergyman. Mr. Hardinge is
Mrs. Bradfort's heir-at-law, and it is by no means unnatural that she
should think of leaving the property to those who, in one sense, have
as good a right to it as she has herself."
"And is it supposed she will leave Rupert her heir?"
"I believe it is--at least--I think--I am afraid--Rupert himself
imagines it; though doubtless Lucy will come in for a fair share. The
affection of Mrs. Bradfort for Lucy is very strong--so strong, indeed,
that she offered, last winter, openly to adopt her, and to keep her
with her constantly.
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