But what could he do? that was
the point. There were one or two things which he could have done,
perhaps, and one or two things which he could not have done if he had
been made of different stuff; but there was nothing more to be done
which Frank Palmer could do. After all, it was better that Madge
should be the child's mother than that it should belong to some
peasant. At least it would be properly educated. As to money, Mrs
Caffyn had told him expressly that she did not want it. That might
be nothing but pride, and he resolved, without very clearly seeing
how, and without troubling himself for the moment as to details, that
Madge should be entirely and handsomely supported by him. Meanwhile
it was of great importance that he should behave in such a manner as
to raise no suspicion. He did not particularly care for some time
after his return from Germany to go out to the musical parties to
which he was constantly invited, but he went as a duty, and wherever
he went he met his charming cousin. They always sang together; they
had easy opportunities of practising together, and Frank, although
nothing definite was said to him, soon found that his family and hers
considered him destined for her. He could not retreat, and there was
no surprise manifested by anybody when it was rumoured that they were
engaged. His story may as well be finished at once.
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