“Yes, I think so,” I replied, “but I daresay nothing will come of it. Her family would not like it, I suppose; for, you know, they are of a good family in Norfolk, and Thornton is only the son of a grocer.” “I did not know that,” she said, “but I have thought your friend had not quite the manners of the class to which the Delameres clearly belong. Mrs. Delamere is perhaps not anyone in particular, and she certainly talks overmuch upon subjects which probably she does not understand. The young ladies are most agreeable and p. 85lady-like, and I think Mr. Thornton has found that out. It is easy to see that objections to any engagement would be of the gravest sort—indeed, I imagine, insurmountable. It is most unfortunate that this should happen when the young man is away from his parents, who might guide him out of the difficulty. I think Mrs. Delamere is aware of the attachment, and is not inclined to favour it. Do you think you could influence your friend in any way? You will do him a great service if you can warn him of his danger; if he does not attend to you, you might tell Mr. Porkington, and consult with him.” p. 85 I promised to follow her advice as well as I could, for I felt that it was both kindly meant and reasonable, although I felt myself rather too young to be entangled in such matters. * * * * * “Oh what a lovely fern, such a nice little one too. Do try and dig it up for me,” said Florence. “I will try to do my best,” said Thornton; “I have got a knife.” And down he went upon his knees, and soon extracted a little brittle bladder, which he handed to the young lady, saying, “I hope it will live. Do you think it will?” “Oh, yes,” she said. “I can keep it here till we go home, and then plant it in my rockery, where they flourish nicely, as it is beautifully sheltered from the sun.” “I wish it were rather a handsomer-looking thing,” said the young man, looking rather ruefully at the little specimen. “I shall prize it for the sake of the giver,” she said, p. 86with a slight blush. “But I am afraid you have spoilt your knife.” p. 86 “Oh, not at all. Do let me dig up some more.”
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