The finely drawn face shone with
a crimson glow. But in a moment more I saw the cause, and
exclaimed--"_The sun is setting_! I must speak to Philip before it
goes down."
What should I say? Somehow, now, my judgment felt very clear and
decisive. I would not pretend that he had been in the right, but I
would acknowledge where I had been in the wrong. I _had_ been
disobliging about Mr. Clinton, and I would say so, and offer to repair
that matter. I would regret having lost my temper, and say nothing
about his. I would not offer to deprive Charles of his part, or break
my promise of the white feather; but I would make a new part for Mr.
Clinton, and he should be quite welcome to any finery in my possession
except Charles's plume. This concession was no difficulty to me. Bad
as our tempers are, I am thankful to say they are not mean ones. If I
dressed out Mr. Clinton at all, it would come natural to do it
liberally. I would do all this--_if I could_. I might break down into
passion at the mere sight of Philip and the properties, but at least I
would begin "as if I knew I should persevere."
At this moment the front door was shut with a bang which shook the
house.
It was Philip going to catch the 4.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203