She being my ward, I have a perfect right to demand that the child's fate shall not be trifled with, that she shall be allowed to grow older and wiser before any one asks her to take an irrevocable step--say for the space of two years.
Mr.Egremont grants my right, and I have never yet had real grounds for doubting his honour.' 'I never doubted it, even on seeming grounds,' said Annabel, quietly.
'You are justified, Bell.

Well, as you asked me, I thought it better to tell you thus much.

He leaves England morally as free as if he had never heard her name.' 'One more question.

How do you _know_ that she has no assurance of his--affection ?' 'He has himself told me that there has been not a word of that between them.

The only other possible source was her sister, who has seen her.
I did not see Lydia before the interview, because it was repugnant to me to do so; their love for each other is something very sacred, and a stranger had no right to come between them before they met.