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136 "Not quite," said Mrs. Palmer; "they have had the education of privation, self-denial, and of doing the best under the circumstances in which they have been placed." "Well, certainly," replied their friend, "the result has been most fortunate, for I never met such very sweet girls. But they are now arrived at an age when the character of themselves and their future is in the balance. What chance has it in the hands of the weak, the selfish, and the worldly Lady Anne? now their happiness is safe in mine." "Are you quite sure of that?" asked Mrs. Palmer. "Quite sure, it would indeed be presumption to say," answered he; "but I have it in my power to smoothe many worldly difficulties, and I could not be more anxious about their happiness, were I really their father." "I believe you," said Mrs. Palmer, earnestly. "A little ridiculous gossip, of which," continued he, "a little time must show the fallacy, ought not to be weighed against the advantages of my sincere and disinterested affection. I will be their true friend and guide." "You are too young and too handsome for any such office," interrupted Mrs. Palmer, who had for some time been nerving herself to the expression of her opinion; "and now, Mr. Glentworth, will you allow an old woman to offer you her judgment; mistaken it may be, but it is offered in all sincerity, and from great affection."