One note of sympathy would
have done much for Griff just then. I have often thought it over
since, and come to the conclusion that Mrs. Fordyce was justified in
the entire separation she brought about. No one can judge of the
strength with which 'true love' has mastered any individual, nor how
far change may be possible; and, on the other hand, unless there
were full appreciation of Ellen's character, she might only have
been looked on as -
'Puppet to a father's threat,
Servile to a shrewish tongue.'
Yet, after all, Frank Fordyce was very kind to Griff, making himself
as much of a medium of communication as he could consistently with
his conscience, but of course not satisfying one who believed that
the strength of love was to be proved not by obedience but
disobedience.
Ellen's letters showed increasing anxiety about her grandfather, who
was not favourably affected by the change of habits, consequent on a
long journey, and staying in different houses. His return was fixed
two or three times, and then delayed by slight attacks of illness,
till at last he became anxious to get home, and set off about the
end of September; but after sleeping a night at an inn at Warwick,
he was too ill to proceed any farther. His old man-servant was with
him; but poor Ellen went through a great deal of suspense and
responsibility before her parents reached her.
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