Hardyman means to make
Miss Isabel Miller his wife. Lady L. will yield to the evidence of a
properly-attested certificate--and to nothing else."
A folded piece of paper, directed to Isabel, dropped out of this
characteristic letter as Miss Pink turned from the first page to the
second. Lady Lydiard addressed her adopted daughter in these words:
"I was on the point of leaving home to visit you again, when I received
your aunt's letter. My poor deluded child, no words can tell how
distressed I am about you. You are already sacrificed to the folly of
the most foolish woman living. For God's sake, take care you do not fall
a victim next to the designs of a profligate man. Come to me instantly,
Isabel, and I promise to take care of you."
Fortified by these letters, and aided by Miss Pink's indignation,
Hardyman pressed his proposal on Isabel with renewed resolution. She
made no attempt to combat his arguments--she only held firmly to her
decision. Without some encouragement from Hardyman's father and mother
she still steadily refused to become his wife. Irritated already by
Lady Lydiard's letters, he lost the self-command which so eminently
distinguished him in the ordinary affairs of life, and showed the
domineering and despotic temper which was an inbred part of his
disposition. Isabel's high spirit at once resented the harsh terms in
which he spoke to her. In the plainest words, she released him from his
engagement, and, without waiting for his excuses, quitted the room.
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