Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/280

274 Bennett with her intentions, indeed she thought it but due to him to ask his consent; and she at once sat down and asked an interview before he went out the following morning. The next day she received a message to say he was waiting in the library. In as few words as possible, she stated her intentions, adding that even now she should consider it a duty to consider his wishes if he, under the circumstances, wished her to remain.

Mr. Bennett remained silent a few moments, he was grieved that his children should lose one so kind and so trust-worthy, but he had long felt for the isolated and melancholy situation of a young creature shut up in such dreary seclusion, He saw clearly that his wife would enter into none of his kindly plans for Fanny's advantage, and that to attempt them might only expose her to annoyance: and he was too just a man to throw an obstacle in the way of whatever might be for her benefit. He therefore contented himself with expressing his gratitude for her devotion to