It must indeed be a cruel mistake to marry the wrong person. So far the
wisdom and sentiment of Bessie Fairfax--all derived from observation or
most trustworthy report--and therefore not to be laughed at, although
she was so young.
CHAPTER XXXII.
_A HARD STRUGGLE_.
Mr. Cecil Burleigh's departure to town so immediately after Lady
Angleby's ball might have given rise to remark had he not returned to
Brentwood before the month's end, and in excellent spirits. During his
brief absence he had, however, found time to run down to the Isle of
Wight and see Miss Julia Gardiner. In all trouble and vexation his
thoughts still turned to her for rest.
Twice already a day had been named for the marriage, and twice it had
been deferred to please her. It now stood fixed for February--"A good
time to start for Rome and the Easter festivals," she had pleaded. Mr.
Brotherton was kindness itself in consideration for her wishes, but her
own family felt that poor Julia was making a long agony of what, if it
were to be done at all, were best done quickly. When Mr. Cecil Burleigh
went to Ryde, he expected to find the preparations for the wedding very
forward, but nothing seemed to have been begun. The young ladies were
out walking, but Mrs. Gardiner, who had written him word that the 10th
of December was the day, now told him almost in the first breath that it
was put off again until the New Year.
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