I don't know why or wherefore--all I can say is, I don't
like it; and I shan't rest until I have found out what it means.
Besides this, my lady, I must know the reason why they want to get you
out of their way. Please to keep up your heart; I shall warn you in
time, when I am sure of the danger."
Iris refused to sanction the risk involved in this desperate design.
"It's _you_ who will be in danger!" she exclaimed.
In her coolest state of obstinacy, Fanny answered: "That's in your
ladyship's service--and that doesn't reckon."
Feeling gratefully this simple and sincere expression of attachment,
Iris held to her own opinion, nevertheless.
"You are in my service," she said; "I won't let you go to Mr. Vimpany.
Give it up, Fanny! Give it up!"
"I'll give it up, my lady, when I know what the doctor means to do--not
before."
The assertion of authority having failed, Iris tried persuasion next.
"As your mistress, it is my duty to set you an example," she resumed.
"One of us must be considerate and gentle in a dispute--let me try to
be that one. There can be no harm, and there may be some good, in
consulting the opinion of a friend; some person in whose discretion we
can trust.
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