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28 'He should not have said that.'

'Yes, Edith,—if he thinks it. He told me that I should be turning all his friends against him. So I promised him that I would speak to Sir Peregrine, and break it off if it be possible.'

'He told me that.'

'And then I spoke to Mr. Furnival, and he told me that I should be blamed by all the world if I were to marry him. I cannot tell you all he said, but he said this: that if—if'

'If what, dear?'

'If in the court they should say'

'Say what?'

'Say that I did this thing,—then Sir Peregrine would be crushed, and would die with a broken heart.'

'But they cannot say that;—it is impossible. You do not think it possible that they can do so?' And then again she took hold of Lady Mason's arm, and looked up anxiously into her face. She looked up anxiously, not suspecting anything, not for a moment presuming it possible that such a verdict could be justly given, but in order that she might see how far the fear of a fate so horrible was operating on her friend. Lady Mason's face was pale and woe-worn, but not more so than was now customary with her.

'One cannot say what may be possible,' she answered slowly. 'I suppose they would not go on with it if they did not think they had some chance of success.'

'You mean as to the property?'

'Yes; as to the property.'

'But why should they not try that, if they must try it, without dragging you there?'

'Ah, I do not understand; or at least I cannot explain it. Mr. Furnival says that it must be so; and therefore I shall tell Sir Peregrine to-morrow that all this must be given up.' And then they sat together silently, holding each other by the hand.

'Good night, Edith,' Lady Mason said at last, getting up from her seat.

'Good night, dearest.'

'You will let me be your friend still, will you not?' said Lady Mason.

'My friend! Oh yes; always my friend. Why should this interfere between you and me?'

'But he will be very angry—at least I fear that he will. Not that—not that he will have anything to regret. But the very strength of his generosity and nobleness will make him angry. He will be indignant because I do not let him make this sacrifice for me. And then—and then—I fear I must leave this house.'

'Oh no, not that; I will speak to him. He will do anything for me.'