But in this matter both the young ladies were doomed to disappointment.
Mr. Sheldon showed himself a social Draco in all things relating to his
stepdaughter. Being forbidden to reveal the existence of Gustave Lenoble,
Charlotte could only urge a frivolous desire to accompany her friend in a
pilgrimage dictated by filial duty. To the practical mind of Philip
Sheldon this desire appeared altogether absurd and unreasonable, and he
did not hesitate to express himself to that effect in a _tete-a-tete_
with his stepdaughter.
"What good on earth can you do by going to see a gouty old man, who has
his own daughter to dance attendance upon him?" asked Mr. Sheldon.
"Really, Charlotte, I am surprised to hear such a proposition from a
girl of your good sense. Miss Paget is your companion, not your visitor.
It is her duty to indulge your whims, but it is not your place to give
way to hers."
"But this is a whim of mine, papa; I should really like to spend the
afternoon at Chelsea. It would be a change, you know."
Mr. Sheldon looked at his stepdaughter with a sharp and searching gaze, a
gaze in which there was suspicion as well as curiosity.
"It is a very discreditable whim for a young lady in your position,"
he said sternly; "and I beg that such a proposition may not be made to
me again."
This was decisive. Charlotte submitted, and Diana went alone to Omega
Street.
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