Strange Story, a — Volume 01 by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
page 71 of 73 (97%)
page 71 of 73 (97%)
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justifies your alarm. Still you think there is no tendency to
consumption?" "Of that I am certain so far as my slight glimpse of a case that to me, however, seems a simple and not uncommon one, will permit. But in the alternative you put--that my own skill, whatever its worth, is forbidden--my earnest advice is that Mrs. Ashleigh should take her daughter at once to London, and consult there those great authorities to whom I cannot compare my own opinion or experience; and by their counsel abide." Mrs. Poyntz shaded her eyes with her hand for a few moments, and seemed in deliberation with herself. Then she said, with her peculiar smile, half grave, half ironical,-- "In matters more ordinary you would have won me to your side long ago. That Mr. Vigors should have presumed to cancel my recommendation to a settler on the Hill was an act of rebellion, and involved the honour of my prerogative; but I suppressed my indignation at an affront so unusual, partly out of pique against yourself, but much more, I think, out of regard for you." "I understand. You detected the secret of my heart; you knew that Mrs. Ashleigh would not wish to see her daughter the wife of a provincial physician." "Am I sure, or are you sure, that the daughter herself would accept that fate; or if she accepted it, would not repent?" "Do you not think me the vainest of men when I say this,--that I cannot |
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