As for Mr. Hurd, he saw and understood her vivid emotion at sight of him;
saw and pitied; not without wonder that so beautiful a creature should
have been jilted. And from the first he marked his sense of Alfred's
conduct by showing her a profound and chivalrous respect which he did not
bestow on other young ladies in his parish; on the contrary, he rather
received homage from them than bestowed it. By-and-bye he saw Julia
suppress if not hide her own sorrow, and go sore-hearted day by day to
comfort the poor and afflicted: he admired and almost venerated her for
this. He called often on Mrs. Dodd, and was welcome. She concealed her
address for the present from all her friends except Dr. Sampson; but Mr.
Hurd had discovered her, and ladies do not snub the clergy. Moreover, Mr.
Hurd was a gentleman, and inclined to High Church. This she liked. He was
very good-looking too, and quiet in his manners. Above all, he seemed to
be doing her daughter good; for Julia and Mr. Hurd had one great
sentiment in common. When the intimacy had continued some time on these
easy terms, Mrs.
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