I grieve for
you with all my soul, and I have prayed for you earnestly,
though, perhaps, you will consider this mere hypocrisy. But I
must first think of my son--and of my husband. Very possibly
you and Oliver may disregard what I say. But if so, I warn
you that Oliver is not indifferent to money, simply because
the full development of his career depends on it. He will
regret what he has done, and your mutual happiness will be
endangered. Moreover, he shrinks from all painful thoughts
and associations; he seems to have no power to bear them; yet
how can you protect him from them?
"I beg you to be counselled in time, to think of him rather
than yourself--if, indeed, you care for him. And should you
decide rightly, an old woman's love and gratitude will be
yours as long as she lives.
"Believe me, dear Miss Mallory, very sincerely yours,
"LUCY MARSHAM."
Diana dragged herself up-stairs and locked her door. At ten o'clock Mrs.
Colwood knocked, and heard a low voice asking to be left alone. She went
away wondering, in her astonishment and terror, what new blow had
fallen.
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