Mountjoy since his
illness. The expressions of happiness on renewing her relations with
her old and dear friend confirmed the maid in her first impression that
there was no fear of a premature return to Passy, with the wish to see
Lord Harry again as the motive. She looked over the later letters
next--and still the good influence of Mr. Mountjoy seemed to be in time
ascendant. There was anxiety felt for Fanny's safety, and curiosity
expressed to hear what discoveries she might have made; but the only
allusions to my lord contained ordinary inquiries relating to the state
of his health, and, on one occasion, there was a wish expressed to know
whether he was still on friendly terms with Mr. Vimpany. There seemed
to be no fear of tempting her mistress to undervalue the danger of
returning to the cottage, if she mentioned the cheering improvement now
visible in Mr. Oxbye. And yet Fanny still hesitated to trust her first
impressions, even after they had been confirmed. Her own sad experience
reminded her of the fatal influence which an unscrupulous man can
exercise over the woman who loves him. It was always possible that Lady
Harry might not choose to confide the state of her feelings towards her
husband to a person who, after all, only occupied the position of her
maid.
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