Worn out, I suppose, worn out! In fact," he went on, looking at her sharply, "it is for you to consider whether you care to take the risks of coming into this family, for whatever the doctors may or may not say, I think it my duty to tell you straight out that in my opinion there is some risk." "If so, I do not fear it, Mr.Arnott, and I hope you will not put any such idea into Anthony's head.

If you do he might refuse to marry me, and that would break my heart." "No, I dare say you do not fear it, but there are other--well, things must take their course.

If we were always thinking of the future no one would dare to stir." Then he told her that when first he heard of their mutual attachment he had been much disturbed, as he did not see how they were to marry.
"But poor George's death has changed all that," he said, "since now Anthony will get the estate, which is practically the only property we have, and it ought always to produce enough to keep you going and to maintain the place in a modest way." Lastly he presented her with a valuable set of diamonds that had belonged to his mother, saying he might not be alive to do so when the time of her marriage came, and dismissed her with his blessing.
In due course all these tidings, including that of the diamonds, came to the ears of Aunt Thompson, and wondrously softened that lady's anger.
Indeed, she wrote to Barbara in very affectionate terms, to wish her every happiness and say how glad she was to hear that she was settling herself so well in life.

She added that she should make a point of being present at the wedding.

A postscript informed her that Mr.Russell was about to be married to an Italian countess, a widow.
Barbara's wedding was fixed for October.