Читать книгу The Marriage of Elinor онлайн

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"And that proves, if there was nothing else," said Elinor, "how false it is: for how could Mrs. Hudson and Mary Dale know? They are not fashionable people, they are not in society. How could they or any one like them know anything of Phil"—she stopped quickly, drew herself up, and added—"of Mr. Compton, I mean?"

"They might not know, but they might state their authority," Mrs. Dennistoun said; "and if the Rector cannot be used to help us, surely, John, you are a man of the world, you are not like a woman, unacquainted with evidence. Why should not you do it, though you are, as you kindly say, an interested party?"

"He shall not do it. I forbid him to do it. If he takes in hand anything of the kind he must say good-by to me."

"You hear?" said John; "but I could not do it in any case, my dear Elinor. I am too near. I never could see this thing all round. Why not your lawyer, old Lynch, a decent old fellow——"

"I will tell him the same," cried Elinor; "I will never speak to him again."

"My dear," said her mother, "you will give everybody the idea that you don't want to know the truth."