In regard to the money, he
thought it impossible that any step should be taken. He then told her
all there was to tell of Lord and Lady Chiltern, and something also
of himself. When the letter was written he found that it was cold and
almost constrained. To his own ears it did not sound like the hearty
letter of a generous friend. It savoured of the caution with which it
had been prepared. But what could he do? Would he not sin against
her and increase her difficulties if he addressed her with warm
affection? Were he to say a word that ought not to be addressed to
any woman he might do her an irreparable injury; and yet the tone of
his own letter was odious to him.
CHAPTER XXI
Mr. Maule, Senior
The life of Mr. Maurice Maule, of Maule Abbey, the father of Gerard
Maule, had certainly not been prosperous. He had from his boyhood
enjoyed a reputation for cleverness, and at school had done great
things,--winning prizes, spouting speeches on Speech days, playing in
elevens, and looking always handsome.
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