'This is a big house--an
old barn, if you like, but big enough. Your mother might have the
whole of the east wing--which looks south--if she pleased; and
neither she nor I need ever come in each other's way, any more than
people who have flats in the same building. I heard you say she had
a nurse. Well, there would be the nurse--and another servant
perhaps. And the housekeeping could be in common. Now do consider
it. Be reasonable! Don't mock at it, because it isn't your own
plan,' said the Squire severely, perceiving the smile, which she
could not repress, spreading over Elizabeth's countenance.
'It's awfully good of you!' she began warmly--'but--'
'But what?'
Then Elizabeth's smile vanished, and instead he saw a dimness in the
clear blue eyes.
'My poor little mother is too ill--much too ill--' she said in a low
voice. 'She may live a good while yet; but her mind is no longer
clear.'
The Squire was checked. This possible aspect of the case had not
occurred to him. But he was not to be defeated.
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