'You do not think that she
should have gone to papa at once?' Lady Mary asked. It was a point
of moral law on which the elder woman, who had girls of her own,
found it hard to give an immediate answer. It certainly is
expedient that parents should know at once of any engagement by
which their daughters may seek to contract themselves. It is
expedient that they should be able to prevent any secret
contracts. Lady Cantrip felt strongly that Mrs Finn having
accepted the confidential charge of the daughter, could not,
without gross betrayal of trust, allow herself to be the
depositary of such a secret. 'But she did not allow herself,' said
Lady Mary, pleading for her friend.
'But she left the house without telling him, my dear.'
'But it was because of what she did that he was told.'
'That is true; but I doubt whether she should have left him an
hour in ignorance.'
'But it was I who told her. She would have betrayed me.'
'She was not a fit recipient for your confidence, Mary. But I do
not wish to accuse her. She seems a high-minded woman, and I think
that your papa has been hard upon her.
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