Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 3.djvu/106

96 her her husband was predisposed to amendment before I added my might of exhortation and encouragement, and that I had only done what she might—and ought to—have done herself.

"Oh, no!" cried she, "I couldn't have influenced him, I'm sure, by anything that I could have said. I should only have bothered him by my clumsy efforts at persuasion, if I had made the attempt."

"You never tried me, Milly," said he.

Shortly after, they took their leave. They are now gone on a visit to Hattersley's father. After that, they will repair to their country home. I hope his good resolutions will not fall through, and poor Milicent will not be again disappointed. Her last letter was full of present bliss and pleasing anticipations for the future; but no particular temptation has yet occurred to put his virtue to the test. Henceforth, however, she will doubtless be somewhat