If I can
get her started off on the right road, I will see what I can do with the
new Mother Superior, whoever she may be. Perhaps you may yet be able to
establish that delightful brotherhood of the House of Martha. Any way, I
promise you you shall have something. It may not be much and it may not
be often, but it shall be enough to keep your love alive, and that, you
see, is my great object. I want to make of you a monument of masculine
constancy."
As I took leave of her, Miss Laniston gave my hand a vigorous pressure,
which seemed to me to indicate that her intentions were better than her
words. As I went away my mind was quieter, though not cheered. There was
in it a certain void and emptiness, but this was compensated for by a
sense of self-approbation which was strengthening and comforting. I was
even able to smile at the notion of the interview between Miss Laniston
and Sister Sarah, when the former should propose my plan of the
brotherhood.
XLIV.
PRELIMINARY BROTHERHOOD.
When I returned to Arden, I gave Walkirk an outline of what had
occurred, but I did not go into details, having no desire that the
preposterous idea which had gotten into the head of Miss Laniston should
enter that of my under-study.
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