"The dowager seems
all fury and folly. She scarcely gave herself time to welcome me this
morning, or to inquire how I was after my long voyage; but began
descanting on a host of evils, the chief being that her grandson should
have had fever."
"She would like him to bear a charmed life. Not for love of him, Laura."
"What then?"
"I do not believe she has a particle of love for him. Don't think me
uncharitable; it is the truth; Val will tell you the same. She is not
capable of experiencing common affection for any one; every feeling of
her nature is merged in self-interest. Had her daughter left another boy
she would not be dismayed at the prospect of this one's death; whether he
lived or died, it would be all one to her. The grievance is that Reginald
should have the chance of succeeding."
"Because he is your son. I understand. A vain, puffed-up old thing! the
idea of her still painting her face and wearing false curls! I wonder you
tolerate her in your house, Anne! She's always here."
"How can I help myself? She considers, I believe, that she has more right
in this house than I have."
"Does she make things uncomfortable?"
"More so than I have ever confessed, even to my husband. From the hour of
my marriage she set the two children against me, and against my children
when they came; and she never ceases to do so still."
"Why do you submit to it?"
"She is their grandmother, and I cannot well deny her the house.
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