25/42 It needs attention of every kind. If we could only stay here until Stephen's house was finished: then you could be married." "O mother dear, that is not possible! You know Steve and I cannot marry until father has been dead at least a year. It would be an insult to father to have a wedding in his mourning year." "If your father knows any thing, Charlotte, he knows the trouble we are in. He would count it no insult." "But all through the Dales it would be a shame to us. Steve and I would not like to begin life with the ill words or ill thoughts of our neighbors." "What shall I do? |