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Rh Lady Arabella, do you suspect your own daughter as well as your own son? Do you think that Beatrice is assisting Mary in preparing this wicked clandestine marriage? I tell you fairly, Lady Arabella, the present tone of your mind is such that I cannot understand it.'

'I suspect nobody, Dr. Thorne; but young people will be young.'

'And old people must be old, I suppose; the more's the pity. Lady Arabella, Mary is the same to me as my own daughter, and owes me the obedience of a child; but as I do not disapprove of your daughter Beatrice as an acquaintance for her, but rather, on the other hand, regard with pleasure their friendship, you cannot expect that I should take any steps to put an end to it.'

'But suppose it should lead to renewed intercourse between Frank and Mary?'

'I have no objection. Frank is a very nice young fellow, gentlemanlike in his manners, and neighbourly in his disposition.'

'Doctor Thorne'

'Lady Arabella'

'I cannot believe that you really intend to express a wish'

'You are quite right. I have not intended to express any wish; nor do I intend to do so. Mary is at liberty, within certain bounds—which I am sure she will not pass—to choose her own friends. I think she has not chosen badly as regards Miss Beatrice Gresham; and should she even add Frank Gresham to the number'

'Friends! why they were more than friends; they were declared lovers!'

'I doubt that, Lady Arabella, because I have not heard of it from Mary. But even were it so, I do not see why I should object.'

'Not object!'

'As I said before, Frank is, to my thinking, an excellent young man. Why should I object?'

'Dr. Thorne!' said her ladyship, now also rising from her chair in a state of too evident perturbation.

'Why should I object? It is for you, Lady Arabella, to look after your lambs; for me to see that, if possible, no harm shall come to mine. If you think that Mary is an improper acquaintance for your children, it is for you to guide them; for you and for their father. Say what you think fit to your own daughter; but pray understand, once for all, that I will allow no one to interfere with my niece.'

'Interfere!' said Lady Arabella, now absolutely confused by the severity of the doctor's manner.