'Is not that a strong order?' asked the Earl. The
Countess acknowledged that it was a 'strong order', but suggested
that for the happiness of them all it might as well be done at
first as last.
The next morning Lady Mary showed her a copy of the reply which
she had already sent to her lover.
'DEAR FRANK,
'You may be quite sure that I shall never give you up. I will
not write more at present because papa does not wish me to do so.
I shall show papa your letter and my answer.
'Your own most affectionate
MARY.'
'Has it gone?' asked the Countess.
'I put it myself into the pillar letter-box.' Then Lady Cantrip
felt that she had to deal with a very self-willed young lady
indeed.
That afternoon Lady Cantrip asked Lady Mary whether she might be
allowed to take the two letters up to town with the express
purpose of showing them to the Duke. 'Oh yes,' said Mary. 'I think
it would be so much the best. Give papa my kindest love, and tell
him from me that if he wants to make his poor little girl happy he
will forgive her and be kind to her in all this.
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