Thus encouraged to proceed,
her aunt dried her eyes with a smile, and with genial cheerfulness
proceeded: "Well, then, dear, which shall it be--Mr. Talboys?"
Lucy opened her eyes _so_ innocently. "My dear aunt, I wonder at
that question from you. Did you not make me promise you I would never
marry that gentleman, nor any friend of my uncle's?"
"And did you?" cried Fountain.
"I did," replied the penitent, hanging her head. "My aunt was so kind
to me about something or other, I forget what."
Fountain bounced up and paced the room.
Mrs. Bazalgette lowered her voice: "It is to be Mr. Hardie, then?"
"Mr. Hardie!!!" cried Lucy, rather loudly, to attract her uncle's
attention.
"Oh, no, the same objection applies there; I made my uncle a solemn
promise not to marry any friend of yours, aunt. Poor uncle! I refused
at first, but he looked so unhappy my resolution failed, and I gave my
promise. I will keep it, uncle. Don't fear me."
It caused Mrs. Bazalgette a fierce struggle to command her temper.
Both she and Fountain were dumb for a minute; then elastic Mrs.
Bazalgette said:
"We were both to blame; you and I did not really know each other. The
best thing we can do now is to release the poor girl from these silly
promises, that stand in the way of her settlement in life."
"I agree, madam."
"So do I. There, Lucy, choose, for we both release you."
"Thank you," said Lucy gravely; "but how can you? No unfair advantage
was taken of me; I plighted my word knowingly and solemnly, and no
human power can release persons of honor from a solemn pledge.
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