There was a scene with my father, but in private; and all that came
to general knowledge was that Griff felt himself injured by any
implication that he was given to violent or excessive dissipation,
such as could wreck Ellen's happiness or his own character.
He declared with all his heart that immediate marriage would be the
best thing for both, and pleaded earnestly for it; but my father
could not have arranged for it even if the Fordyces would have
consented, and there were matters of business, as well as other
reasons, which made it inexpedient for them to revoke their decision
that the wedding should not take place before Ellen was of age and
Griffith called to the bar.
So we took our young ladies home, loaded with presents for their
beloved school children, of whom Emily said she dreamt, as the time
for seeing them again drew near. After all the London enjoyment, it
was pretty to see the girls' delight in the fresh country sights and
sounds in full summer glory, and how Ellen proved to have been
hungering after all her dear ones at home. When we left her at her
own door, our last sight of her was in her father's arms, little
Anne clinging to her dress, mother and grandfather as close to her
as could be--a perfect tableau of a joyous welcome.
CHAPTER XXIX--LOVE AND OBEDIENCE
'Unless he give me all in change
I forfeit all things by him;
The risk is terrible and strange.
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