"Was it in order to tell me this that you requested I would meet you
here?"
Mrs. Penniman had been conscious of a certain vagueness in her
errand, and of not being able to offer him any very tangible reward
for his long walk. "I thought perhaps you would like to see one who
is so near to Catherine," she observed, with considerable majesty.
"And also," she added, "that you would value an opportunity of
sending her something."
Morris extended his empty hands with a melancholy smile. "I am
greatly obliged to you, but I have nothing to send."
"Haven't you a WORD?" asked his companion, with her suggestive smile
coming back.
Morris frowned again. "Tell her to hold fast," he said rather
curtly.
"That is a good word--a noble word. It will make her happy for many
days. She is very touching, very brave," Mrs. Penniman went on,
arranging her mantle and preparing to depart. While she was so
engaged she had an inspiration. She found the phrase that she could
boldly offer as a vindication of the step she had taken. "If you
marry Catherine at all risks" she said, "you will give my brother a
proof of your being what he pretends to doubt."
"What he pretends to doubt?"
"Don't you know what that is?" Mrs. Penniman asked almost playfully.
"It does not concern me to know," said Morris grandly.
"Of course it makes you angry."
"I despise it," Morris declared.
"Ah, you know what it is, then?" said Mrs.
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