'I imagine that Ursula may probably be a considerable heiress, and
her lights must not be sacrificed.'

'Poor little girl! Will it be for her happiness? I doubt it
greatly!'

'Of that I suppose we have no right to judge,' said Mr. Dutton,
somewhat tremulously. 'Justice is what we have to look to, and to
allow Nuttie to be passed over would be permitting a slur to be cast
on her and her mother.'

'I see that,' said Miss Headworth, with an effort. 'I suppose I am
after all a selfish, faithless old woman, and it is not in my hands
after all. But I must prepare my poor Alice for what may be coming.'

'If any terms are offered to her, she had better put the matter into
a lawyer's hands. Dobson would be a safe man to deal with.'

Miss Headworth was amazed that he--who had helped her in many a
little question bordering on law--should not proffer his aid now in
this greatest stress. He was a resolute, self-controlled man, and
she never guessed at the feeling that made him judge himself to be no
fitting champion for Alice Egremont against her husband. Ever since,
ten years ago, he had learnt that his beautiful neighbour did not
regard herself so certainly a widow as to venture to open her heart
to any other love, he had lived patiently on, content to serve her as
a trustworthy friend, and never betraying the secret hope so long
cherished and now entirely crushed.