The visitor grew sensible of this pleasant characteristic, and at
length found voice for her intention.
"I wished to see you for a very strange reason, Mrs. Quarrier. I
feel half afraid that I may even offend you. You will think me very
strange indeed."
Lilian trembled. The old dread awoke in her. Had Miss Mumbray
discovered something?
"Do let me know what it is," she replied, in a low voice.
"It--it is about Mr. Eustace Glazzard. I think he is an intimate
friend of Mr. Quarrier's?"
"Yes, he is."
"You are surprised, of course. I came to you because I feel so alone
and so helpless. You know that I am engaged to Mr. Glazzard?"
Her voice faltered. Relieved from anxiety, Lilian looked and spoke
in her kindest way.
"Do speak freely to me, Miss Mumbray. I shall be so glad to--to
help you in any way I can--so very glad."
"I am sure you mean that. My mother is very much against our
marriage--against Mr. Glazzard. She wants me to break off. I can't
do that without some better reason than I know of. Will you tell me
what you think of Mr. Glazzard? Will you tell me in confidence? You
know him probably much better than I do--though that sounds
strange. You have known him much longer, haven't you?"
"Not much longer. I met him first in London."
"But you know him through your husband. I only wish to ask you
whether you have a high opinion of him.
Pages:
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205