They read the letter together, and Julia was furious against Colonel
Clifford. But Mary interposed.
"I am afraid," said she, "that I am the person who was most to blame."
"Why, what have you done?"
"He said our case was desperate, and waiting would not alter it; and he
should leave the country unless--"
"Unless what? How can I advise you if you have any concealments from me?"
"Well, then, it was unless I would consent to a clandestine marriage."
"And you refused--very properly."
"And I refused--very properly one would think--and what is the
consequence? I have driven the man I love away from his friends, as well
as from me, and now I begin to be very sorry for my properness."
"But you don't blush for it as you would for the other. The idea! To be
married on the sly and to have to hide it from everybody, and to be found
out at last, or else be suspected of worse things."
"What worse things?"
"Never you mind, child; your womanly instinct is better than knowledge or
experience, and it has guided you straight.
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