He is certainly like Beatrice. How he
detests everything false, just as she does!"
"Yes," said Ronald, gravely; "I am proud of my children. There
is no taint of untruth or deceit there, mother; they are worthy
of their race. I consider Beatrice the noblest girl I have ever
known; and I love my sweet Lily just as well."
"You would not like to part with them now?" said Lady Earle.
"I would sooner part with my life!" he replied. "I am not given
to strong expressions, mother, but even you could never guess how
my life is bound up in theirs."
"Then let me say one word, Ronald," said his mother; "remember
Dora loves them as dearly and as deeply as you do. Just think
for a moment what it has cost her to give them up to you! She
must see them soon, with your full consent and permission. They
can go to her if you will."
"You are right, mother," he said, after a few minutes. "They are
Dora's children, and she ought to see them; but they must not
return to that farm house--I can not bear the thought of it.
Surely they can meet on neutral ground--at your house, say, or
in London; and let it be at Christmas.
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