"
"Do not say that, dear;--or rather do say it, for we have, both of
us, brought ourselves to what you call a pass,--to such a pass that
we are like to be able to live together and discuss it for the rest
of our lives. The difference is, I take it, that you have not to
accuse yourself, and that I have."
"I cannot say that I have not to accuse myself," said Lady Laura.
"I do not know that I have done much wrong to Mr. Kennedy since I
married him; but in marrying him I did him a grievous wrong."
"And he has avenged himself."
"We will not talk of vengeance. I believe he is wretched, and I know
that I am;--and that has come of the wrong that I have done."
"I will make no man wretched," said Violet.
"Do you mean that your mind is made up against Oswald?"
"I mean that, and I mean much more. I say that I will make no man
wretched. Your brother is not the only man who is so weak as to be
willing to run the hazard."
"There is Lord Fawn."
"Yes, there is Lord Fawn, certainly. Perhaps I should not do him much
harm; but then I should do him no good."
"And poor Phineas Finn."
"Yes;--there is Mr. Finn. I will tell you something, Laura. The only
man I ever saw in the world whom I have thought for a moment that
it was possible that I should like,--like enough to love as my
husband,--except your brother, was Mr.
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