Is this so, and in
spite of my struggles against myself, Helena?'
She, whose dark eyes were watching the effect of what he said on
Mr. Crisparkle's face, replied--to Mr. Crisparkle, not to him: 'It
is so.' After a short pause, she answered the slightest look of
inquiry conceivable, in her brother's eyes, with as slight an
affirmative bend of her own head; and he went on:
'I have never yet had the courage to say to you, sir, what in full
openness I ought to have said when you first talked with me on this
subject. It is not easy to say, and I have been withheld by a fear
of its seeming ridiculous, which is very strong upon me down to
this last moment, and might, but for my sister, prevent my being
quite open with you even now.--I admire Miss Bud, sir, so very
much, that I cannot bear her being treated with conceit or
indifference; and even if I did not feel that I had an injury
against young Drood on my own account, I should feel that I had an
injury against him on hers.'
Mr. Crisparkle, in utter amazement, looked at Helena for
corroboration, and met in her expressive face full corroboration,
and a plea for advice.
'The young lady of whom you speak is, as you know, Mr. Neville,
shortly to be married,' said Mr. Crisparkle, gravely; 'therefore
your admiration, if it be of that special nature which you seem to
indicate, is outrageously misplaced. Moreover, it is monstrous
that you should take upon yourself to be the young lady's champion
against her chosen husband.
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