Page:Romance & Reality 3.pdf/214

212 suspected Miss Arundel of taking any decided step. But she forgot that when the very gentle do nerve themselves for action, it is under some strong and sudden impulse, and they then act usually in opposition to the whole of their previous bearing. Opposition is too new not to be carried into obstinacy. It has cost them so much to form a resolution, that they adhere to it with all the pertinacity felt for an uncommon and valuable acquisition. A thousand times did Lady Mandeville reproach herself for feeding Emily's attachment. It is a dangerous amusement, getting up a little romance in real life—playing private theatricals with the feelings of others. "But who could foresee his going to Spain, and having his head turned by the black eyes of a pretty conspirator? I shall detest the name of patriot as long as I live. What business have they with daughters?" One of the most disagreeable parts of what was disagreeable altogether, was having to tell her husband of the non-success of her morning's expostulation. Not a shadow of blame could be thrown upon him, thereby cutting off one great source of consolation. Fortunately, it was equal matter of regret to both.