"
It was not the unusual violence of the language in the last sentence
that convinced me. I had often seen religious men affected in that way
after an over-indulgence in patience and mild behavior. It was that
ominous word, "my duty," which made me sure that Talbert had settled
down on the bed-rock of his conscience and was not to be moved. Why,
then, had he sent for me, I asked, since he had made up his mind?
"Well," said he, "in the first place, I hadn't quite made it up when I
sent the telegram. And in the second place, now that you have helped me
to see absolutely what is right to do, I want you to speak to my wife
about it. She doesn't agree with me, wants Peggy to go to Europe,
thinks there cannot be any risk in it. You know how she has always
adored Charles Edward. Will you talk to her?"
"I will," said I, after a moment of reflection, "on one condition. You
may forbid Peggy's journey, to-morrow morning if you like. Break it off
peremptorily, if you think it's your duty. But don't give up her
state-room on the ship. And if you can be convinced between now and
Saturday that the danger of interference with her young affections is
removed, and that she really needs and wants to go, you let her go!
Will you?"
"I will," said he. And with that we threw away the remainder of our
second cigars, and I went up to the side porch to talk with Mrs.
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