I decided that, with companionship, these might
develop after marriage. But supposing they do not, then I shall have
rendered her unhappy. Is not the risk too great?'
He leaned forward and laid his hand on mine with an expression of great
earnestness. 'In this matter,' he said slowly, 'I intend to abide by
your decision. I have supreme faith in your judgment, and I do not
believe you would advise me wrongly. Tell me what I ought to do. Do
you think it is making for the happiness of two people if they are
united under these peculiar circumstances?'
'I said I would never interfere,' I began weakly.
'It isn't a question of interfering,' he broke in, 'but only a matter
of advising what you think is right or wrong.'
I hesitated, feeling the responsibility keenly. It is true that I am
accustomed to giving advice on these delicate matters. In my capacity
of writer on the Woman's Page I often discuss affairs of the heart,
getting much correspondence on the subject and (if a stamped addressed
envelope is enclosed) giving unsparing help and assistance to perplexed
lovers. But this case seemed entirely different. It lacked any
element of the frivolous. I knew that Manor's whole happiness depended
on my answer.
Supposing I suggested that the marriage should go on and afterwards the
couple turned out to be totally unsuited, what a serious situation I
should have created.
Pages:
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152