But I shall know that he has acquitted me of a fault of which I cannot bear to think I should be accused." Then she took a somewhat formal though still an affectionate farewell of the girl.
"I want to see papa as soon as possible," said Lady Mary when she was again with Lady Cantrip.

The reason for her wish was soon given, and then the whole story told.

"You do not think that she should have gone to papa at once ?" Lady Mary asked.

It was a point of moral law on which the elder woman, who had had girls of her own, found it hard to give an immediate answer.

It certainly is expedient that parents should know at once of any engagement by which their daughters may seek to contract themselves.