"It may be enough for you.When I have done a person an injury,and wish to make an apology,I don't think it necessary to inquire whether the person's manners happen to be vulgar or not."Alban's patience was still equal to any demands that she could make on it."I can only offer you advice which is honestly intended for your own good,"he gently replied.
"You would have more influence over me,Mr.Morris,if you were a little readier to take me into your confidence.I daresay I am wrong--but I don't like following advice which is given to me in the dark."It was impossible to offend him."Very naturally,"he said;"Idon't blame you."
Her color deepened,and her voice rose.Alban's patient adherence to his own view--so courteously and considerately urged--was beginning to try her temper."In plain words,"she rejoined,"Iam to believe that you can't be mistaken in your judgment of another person."There was a ring at the door of the cottage while she was speaking.But she was too warmly interested in confuting Alban to notice it.
He was quite willing to be confuted.Even when she lost her temper,she was still interesting to him."I don't expect you to think me infallible,"he said."Perhaps you will remember that Ihave had some experience.I am unfortunately older than you are.""Oh if wisdom comes with age,"she smartly reminded him,"your friend Miss Redwood is old enough to be your mother--and she suspected Mrs.Rook of murder,because the poor woman looked at a door,and disliked being in the next room to a fidgety old maid."Alban's manner changed:he shrank from that chance allusion to doubts and fears which he dare not acknowledge."Let us talk of something else,"he said.
She looked at him with a saucy smile."Have I driven you into a corner at last?And is thatyour way of getting out of it?"Even his endurance failed."Are you trying to provoke me?"he asked."Are you no better than other women?I wouldn't have believed it of you,Emily.""Emily?"She repeated the name in a tone of surprise,which reminded him that he had addressed her with familiarity at a most inappropriate time--the time when they were on the point of a quarrel.He felt the implied reproach too keenly to be able to answer her with composure.
"I think of Emily--I love Emily--my one hope is that Emily may love me.Oh,my dear,is there no excuse if I forget to call you 'Miss'when you distress me?"All that was tender and true in her nature secretly took his part.She would have followed that better impulse,if he had only been calm enough to understand her momentary silence,and to give her time.But the temper of a gentle and generous man,once roused,is slow to subside.Alban abruptly left his chair."I had better go!"he said.
"As you please,"she answered."Whether you go,Mr.Morris,or whether you stay,I shall write to Mrs.Rook."The ring at the bell was followed by the appearance of a visitor.
Doctor Allday opened the door,just in time to hear Emily's last words.Her vehemence seemed to amuse him.
"Who is Mrs.Rook?"he asked.
"A most respectable person,"Emily answered indignantly;"housekeeper to Sir Jervis Redwood.You needn't sneer at her,Doctor Allday!She has not always been in service--she was landlady of the inn at Zeeland."The doctor,about to put his hat on a chair,paused.The inn at Zeeland reminded him of the Handbill,and of the visit of Miss Jethro.
"Why are you so hot over it?"he inquired "Because I detest prejudice!"With this assertion of liberal feeling she pointed to Alban,standing quietly apart at the further end of the room."There is the most prejudiced man living--he hates Mrs.Rook.Would you like to be introduced to him?You're a philosopher;you may do him some good.Doctor Allday--Mr.Alban Morris."The doctor recognized the man,with the felt hat and the objectionable beard,whose personal appearance had not impressed him favorably.
