We were very thankful for the hope and motive, and Griff had no
doubts of himself.
'One can't look at the pretty creature and think of disappointing
her,' he said. 'She is altered, you know, Ted; they've bullied her
till she is more ethereal than ever, but it only makes her lovelier.
I believe if she saw me kill some one on the spot she would think it
all my generosity; or, if she could not, she would take and die. Oh
no! I'll not fail her. No, I won't; not if I have to spend seven
years after the model of old Bill, whose liveliest pastime is a good
long sermon, when it is not a ghost.'
CHAPTER XXX--UNA OR DUESSA
'Soone as the Elfin knight in presence came
And false Duessa, seeming ladye fayre,
A gentle husher, Vanitie by name,
Made roome, and passage did for them prepare.'
SPENSER.
The two families were supposed to continue on unbroken terms of
friendship, and we men did so; but Mrs. Fordyce told my mother that
she had disapproved of the probation, and Mrs. Winslow was hurt.
Though the two girls were allowed to be together as usual, it was on
condition of silence about Griff; and though, as Emily said, they
really had not been always talking about him in former times, the
prohibition seemed to weigh upon all they said.
Old Mr. Fordyce had long been talking of a round of visits among
relations whom he had not seen for many years; and it was decided to
send Ellen with him, chiefly, no doubt, to prevent difficulties
about Griffith in the long vacation.
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