If you were within hearing of him, I'm afraid
you might be terrified, and, with the best wish to be useful, I
couldn't guarantee (if the worst happened) to keep him quiet. In your
place, if you will allow me to advise you--"
Iris interrupted him. Instead of confessing the truth, he was
impudently attempting to frighten her. "I don't allow a person in whom
I have no confidence to advise me," she said; "I wish to hear no more."
Mr. Vimpany found it desirable to resume the forms of politeness.
Either he had failed to shake her resolution, or she was sufficiently
in possession of herself to conceal what she felt.
"One last word!" he said. "I won't presume to advise your ladyship; I
will merely offer a suggestion. My lord tells me that Hugh Mountjoy is
on the way to recovery. You are in communication with him by letter, as
I happened to notice when I did you that trifling service of providing
a postage-stamp. Why not go to London and cheer your convalescent
friend? Harry won't mind it--I beg your pardon, I ought to have said
Lord Harry. Come! come! my dear lady; I am a rough fellow, but I mean
well. Take a holiday, and come back to us when my lord writes to say
that he can have the pleasure of receiving you again.
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