"I have let her alone. I have neither spoken to her nor written to her. She does not mean to say that I have troubled her?" "Of course you have not troubled her,--but she knows what we all mean." "I have waited all the winter, Mrs. Fenwick, and have said not a word. How long was it that she knew her cousin before she was engaged to him?" "What has that to do with it? You know what our wishes are; but, indeed, indeed, nothing can be done by hurrying her." "She was engaged to that man, and the engagement broken off all within a month. It was no more than a dream." "But the remembrance of such dreams will not fade away quickly. Let us hope that hereafter it may be as a dream;--but time must be allowed to efface the idea of its reality." "Time;--yes; but cannot we arrange some plan for the future? Cannot something be done? I thought you said you would ask her to come here?" "So I did,--but not yet." "Why shouldn't she come now? You needn't ask because I am here. There is no saying whom she may meet, and then my chance will be gone again." "Is that all you know about women, Harry? Do you think that the girl whom you love so dearly will take up with one man after another in that fashion?" "Who can say? She was not very long in taking up, as you call it, with Captain Marrable. I should be happier if she were here, even if I did not see her." "Of course you would see her, and of course you would propose again,--and of course she would refuse you." "Then there is no hope?" "I do not say that. Wait till the summer comes; and then, if I can influence her, we will have her here. If you find that remaining at the Privets all alone is wearisome to you--" "Of course it is wearisome." "Then go up to London--or abroad--or anywhere for a change. Take some occupation in hand and stick to it." "That is so easily said, Mrs. Fenwick." "No man ever did anything by moping; and you mope. I know I am speaking plainly, and you may be angry with me, if you please." "I am not at all angry with you; but I think you hardly understand." "I do understand," said Mrs. Fenwick, speaking with all the energy she could command; "and I am most anxious to do all that you wish. But it cannot be done in a day. If I were to ask her now, she would not come; and if she came it would not be for your good. Wait till the summer. You may be sure that no harm will be done by a little patience." Then he went away, declaring again that he would wait with patience; but saying, at the same time, that he would remain at home. "As for going to London," he said, "I should do nothing there. When I find that there is no chance left, then probably I shall go abroad."