"The true time is the long time!" he replied. "Would it be a sign that
our love was strong, that it took a great while to come to anything? The
strongest things--"
There he stopped, and I saw why: strongest things are not generally of
quickest growth! But there was the eucalyptus! And was not St. Paul as
good a Christian as any of them? I said nothing, however: there was
indeed no rule in the matter!
"You must allow it possible," I said, "that we may not be married!"
"I will not," he answered. "It is true my mother may get me brought in as
incapable of managing my own affairs; but--"
"What mother would do such a wicked thing!" I cried.
"_My_ mother," he answered.
"Oh!"
"She _would!_"
"I can't believe it."
"I am sure of it."
I held my peace. I could not help a sense of dismay at finding myself so
near such a woman. I knew of bad women, but only in books: it would
appear they were in other places as well!
"We must be on our guard," he said.
"Against what?"
"I don't know; whatever she may do."
"We can't do anything till she begins!"
"She has begun."
"How?" I asked incredulous.
"Leander is lame," he answered.
"I am so sorry!"
"I am so angry!"
"Is it possible I understand you?"
"Quite. _She_ did it."
"How do you know?"
"I can no more prove it than I can doubt it. I cannot inquire into my
mother's proceedings.
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