That was the hopeful side of her thoughts. It was easy to forget
for a time those words of his which one might think were spoken
as distinct warning; but they crept into the memory, unwelcome,
importunate, as soon as imagination had built its palace of joy.
Why did he always recur to the subject of money? 'I shall allow
nothing to come in my way;' he once said that as if meaning,
'certainly not a love affair with a girl who is penniless.' He
emphasised the word 'friend,' as if to explain that he offered
and asked nothing more than friendship.
But it only meant that he would not be in haste to. declare
himself. Of a certainty there was conflict between his ambition
and his love, but she recognised her power over him and exulted
in it. She had observed his hesitancy this evening, before he
rose to accompany her from the house; her heart laughed within
her as the desire drew him. And henceforth such meetings would be
frequent, with each one her influence would increase. How kindly
fate had dealt with her in bringing Maud and Dora to London!
It was within his reach to marry a woman who would bring him
wealth.
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