'My father desired that I would come out by her,' said Mary.

'Ay, true--so he informed me; but since later intelligence'--and he
cast a glance at Mary, to judge how much further to go; but meeting
with nothing but severity, he covered the impertinence by saying, 'In
fact, though the Valdivia was mentioned, and Mrs. Willis, Mr.
Ponsonby had reason to suppose you would not receive his letters in
time to avail yourself of the escort.'

'I did so, however,' said Mary, coldly.

'Most gratifying. Mr. and Mrs. Ponsonby will be highly gratified.
In fact, Miss Ponsonby, I must confess that was a most unfortunate
blunder of mine last August. I should not have fallen into the error
had I not been so long absent at Guayaquil that I had had no
opportunity of judging of the amiable lady; and I will own to much
natural surprise and some indignation, before I had had the pleasure
of personal acquaintance with the charms and the graces--Hem! In
effect, it was a step that no one could have recommended; and when
your noble relative put it to me in so many words whether I would
counsel your continuing your journey, I could not take it on me to
urge a measure so painful to your feelings, unaware as I was then of
the amiable qualities of the lady who occupies the situation of the
highly beloved and esteemed--'

Mary could not bear to hear her mother's name in his mouth, so she
cut him short by saying, 'I suppose you thought you acted for the
best, Mr. Robson; it was very unfortunate, but it cannot be helped.
Pray can you tell me where the lad Madison is?' she added, resolved