But I think it is
only fair to warn you that, though you cannot hurt me, nothing but
honesty can take you out of my power."
Forgue turned on his heel, went to his father, and told him he knew
now that Donal was prejudicing the mind of lady Arctura against him;
but not until it came in the course of the conversation, did he
mention the accident she had had.
The earl professed himself greatly shocked, got up with something
almost like alacrity from his sofa, and went down to inquire after
his niece. He would have compelled Mrs. Brookes to admit him, but
she was determined her lady should not be waked from a sleep
invaluable to her, for the sake of receiving his condolements, and
he had to return to his room without gaining anything.
If she were to go, the property would be his, and he could will it
as he pleased--that was, if she left no will. He sent for his son
and cautioned him over and over to do nothing to offend her, but
wait: what might come, who could tell! It might prove a serious
affair!
Forgue tried to feel shocked at the coolness of his father's
speculation, but allowed that, if she was determined not to receive
him as her husband, the next best thing, in the exigence of affairs,
would certainly be that she should leave a world for whose uses she
was ill fitted, and go where she would be happier. The things she
would then have no farther need of, would be welcome to those to
whom by right they belonged more really than to her! She was a
pleasant thing to look upon, and if she had loved him he would
rather have had the property with than without her; but there was
this advantage, he would be left free to choose!
Lady Arctura lay suffering, feverish, and restless.
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