"I remember now I have had many hints; my mind must surely have gone to
sleep. I was a poor simple woman who thought her daughter was to be
always a child. And you were very wrong to go and set a limit to your
mother's love: there is none--none whatever." She added: "I must import a
little prudence and respect for the world's opinion into this new
connection; but whoever you love shall find no enemy in me."
Next day Alfred came to know his fate. He was received with ceremonious
courtesy. At first he was a good deal embarrassed, but this was no sooner
seen than it was relieved by Mrs. Dodd with tact and gentleness. When her
turn came, she said, "Your papa? Of course you have communicated this
step to him?"
Alfred looked a little confused, and said, "No: he left for London two
days ago, as it happens."
"That is unfortunate," said Mrs. Dodd. "Your best plan would be to write
to him at once. I need hardly tell you that we shall enter no family
without an invitation from its head."
Alfred replied that he was well aware of that, and that he knew his
father, and could answer for him.
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