Page:Eliot - Daniel Deronda, vol. IV, 1876.djvu/242

 must try to overcome. She answered, obliging herself to look at him again—

"I don't like to deny you what you ask, father; but I have given a promise not to do things for you in secret. It is hard to see you looking needy; but we will bear that for a little while; and then you can have new clothes, and we can pay for them." Her practical sense made her see now what was Mrs Meyrick's wisdom in exacting a promise from her.

Lapidoth's good-humour gave way a little. He said with a sneer, "You are a hard and fast young lady—you've been learning useful virtues—keeping promises not to help your father with a pound or two when you are getting, money to dress yourself in silk—your father who made an idol of you, and gave up the best part of his life to providing for you."

"It seems cruel—I know it seems cruel," said Mirah, feeling this a worse moment than when she meant to drown herself. Her lips were suddenly pale. "But, father, it is more cruel to break the promises people trust in. That broke my mother's heart—it has broken Ezra's life. You and I must eat now this bitterness from what has been. Bear it. Bear to come in and be cared for as you are."