And if I had a daughter, I should most decidedly forbid all lonely
rambles in Kensington Gardens. You see, Lotta, two girls as attractive
as you and Miss Paget can't be too particular where you go, and what you
do. When you want air and exercise, you can get both in the garden; and
when you want change of scene, and a peep at the fashions, you can drive
out with Mrs. Sheldon."
To this deprivation Charlotte submitted, somewhat unwillingly, but with
no sign of open rebellion. She thought her stepfather foolish and
unreasonable; but she always bore in mind the fact that he had been kind
and disinterested in the matter of her engagement, and she was content to
prove her gratitude by any little sacrifice of this kind. Was not her
lover permitted to spend his Sundays in her society, and to call on her,
at his discretion, during the week? And what were walks in Kensington
Gardens compared with the delight of his dear presence! It is true that
she had sometimes been favoured with Mr. Hawkehurst's society in the
course of her airing; but she knew that he sacrificed his hours of work
or study for the chance of half an hour in her society; and she felt that
there might be gain to him in her loss of liberty.
She told him, when next they met, that the morning walks were forbidden;
and, so jealous a passion is love, that Mr. Hawkehurst was nowise sorry
to find that his pearl was strictly watched and carefully guarded.
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