he had never yet denied her a request. It was a law of his life that he would never do so. But now he hesitated, not thinking that he would refuse her, but feeling that on such an occasion it would be necessary to point out to her how far she might go without risk of bringing censure on her own name. But in this case, though the mind of Sir Peregrine might be the more logical, the purpose of his daughter-in law was the stronger. She had resolved that such communication with crime would not stain her, and she already knew to what length she would go in her charity. Indeed, her mind was fully resolved to go far enough.
'I hardly know as yet what she intends to do; any assistance that you can give her must, I should say, depend on her own line of conduct.'
'But I want your advice as to that. I tell you what I purpose. It is clear that Mr. Furnival thinks she will gain the day at this trial.'
'But Mr. Furnival does not know the truth.'
'Nor will the judge and the lawyers, and all the rest. As you say so properly, it is not for us to be the informers. If they can prove it, let them. But you would not have her tell them all against herself?' And then she paused, waiting for his answer.
'I do not know. I do not know what to say. It is not for me to advise her.'
'Ah, but it is for you,' she said; and as she spoke she put her little hand down on the table with an energy which startled him. 'She is here—a wretched woman, in your house. And why do you know the truth? Why has it been told to you and me? Because without telling it she could not turn you from that purpose of yours. It was generous, father—confess that; it was very generous.'
'Yes, it was generous,' said Sir Peregrine.
'It was very generous. It would be base in us if we allowed ourselves to forget that. But I was telling you my plan. She must go to this trial.'
'Oh yes; there will be no doubt as to that.'
'Then—if she can escape, let the property be given up afterwards.'
'I do not see how it is to be arranged. The property will belong to Lucius, and she cannot give it up then. It is not so easy to put matters right when guilt and fraud have set them wrong.'
'We will do the best we can. Even suppose that you were to tell Lucius afterwards;—you yourself! if that were necessary, you know.'
And so by degrees she talked him over; but yet he would come to no decision as to what steps he himself must take. What if he himself should go to Mr. Round, and pledge himself that the whole estate should be restored to Mr. Mason of Groby, on condition that
