He felt, however, that he must say something; so he expressed a hope that he was duly sensible of all the acts of kindness he had ever received from the squire and the family at large.
"I hope, therefore, my dear doctor, you won't take amiss what I am going to say." "Well, Lady Arabella, I'll endeavour not to do so." "I am sure I would not give any pain if I could help it, much less to you.

But there are occasions, doctor, in which duty must be paramount; paramount to all other considerations, you know, and, certainly, this occasion is one of them." "But what is the occasion, Lady Arabella ?" "I'll tell you, doctor.

You know what Frank's position is ?" "Frank's position! as regards what ?" "Why, his position in life; an only son, you know." "Oh, yes; I know his position in that respect; an only son, and his father's heir; and a very fine fellow, he is.

You have but one son, Lady Arabella, and you may well be proud of him." Lady Arabella sighed.

She did not wish at the present moment to express herself as being in any way proud of Frank.