It was to ask my advice as to her best course that she
sent for me."
"And what advice did you give her?"
"I gave none. First, I must consult you."
I shook my head and replied,
"It will not do for me to be mixed up in this affair, Constance."
Worldly prudence spoke there.
My wife laid her hand upon my arm, and looking calmly in my face,
said,
"The right way is always a safe way."
"Granted."
"It will be right for you to give such advice as your judgment
dictates, and therefore safe. I do not know much about law matters,
but it occurs to me that her first step should be the employment of
counsel."
"Is her father going to stand wholly aloof?" I inquired.
"Yes, if she be resolved to defend herself in open court. He will
not sanction a course that involves so much disgrace of herself and
family."
"Has she shown him the letter you saw?"
"No."
"Why?"
"I think she is afraid to let it go out of her hands."
"She might trust it with her father, surely," said I.
"Her father has been very hard with her; and seems to take the worst
for granted.
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