I have had no counsellor, no adviser, no one to protect me.

Mama supposes that these are honourable men, rich and distinguished, and how CAN I--how can I undeceive her--when she is so happy in these little delusions, which are the only happiness she has?
The lady with whom you placed me, is not the person to whom I could confide matters of so much delicacy, and I have come at last to you, the only friend I have at hand--almost the only friend I have at all--to entreat and implore you to assist me.' 'How can I assist you, child ?' said Ralph, rising from his chair, and pacing up and down the room in his old attitude.
'You have influence with one of these men, I KNOW,' rejoined Kate, emphatically.

'Would not a word from you induce them to desist from this unmanly course ?' 'No,' said Ralph, suddenly turning; 'at least--that--I can't say it, if it would.' 'Can't say it!' 'No,' said Ralph, coming to a dead stop, and clasping his hands more tightly behind him.

'I can't say it.' Kate fell back a step or two, and looked at him, as if in doubt whether she had heard aright.
'We are connected in business,' said Ralph, poising himself alternately on his toes and heels, and looking coolly in his niece's face, 'in business, and I can't afford to offend them.

What is it after all?
We have all our trials, and this is one of yours.