The Hermit and the Wild Woman by Edith Wharton
page 72 of 251 (28%)
page 72 of 251 (28%)
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"I am at your service," he said.
"You have seen my father? Mamma told me that you were to see him to-day," the girl went on, standing close to him in order that she might not have to raise her voice. "Yes; I have seen him," Garnett replied with increasing wonder. Hermione had never before mentioned her father to him, and it was by a slight stretch of veracity that he had included her name in her mother's plea to Mr. Newell. He had supposed her to be either unconscious of the transaction, or else too much engrossed in her own happiness to give it a thought; and he had forgiven her the last alternative in consideration of the abnormal character of her filial relations. But now he saw that he must readjust his view of her. "You went to ask him to come to my wedding; I know about it," Hermione continued. "Of course it is the custom--people will think it odd if he does not come." She paused, and then asked: "Does he consent?" "No; he has not yet consented." "Ah, I thought so when I saw Mamma just now!" "But he hasn't quite refused--he has promised to think it over." "But he hated it--he hated the idea?" Garnett hesitated. "It seemed to arouse painful associations." |
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