The third course was, by a timely warning to deserve the
gratitude of the young lady herself, rated--at an unknown figure.
Between these two last alternatives the wary Wragge hesitated; not from
doubt of Magdalen's pecuniary resources--for he was totally ignorant
of the circumstances which had deprived the sisters of their
inheritance--but from doubt whether an obstacle in the shape of an
undiscovered gentleman might not be privately connected with her
disappearance from home. After mature reflection, he determined to
pause, and be guided by circumstances. In the meantime, the first
consideration was to be beforehand with the messenger from London, and
to lay hands securely on the young lady herself.
"I feel for this misguided girl," mused the captain, solemnly strutting
backward and forward by the lonely river-side. "I always have looked
upon her--I always shall look upon her--in the light of a niece."
Where was the adopted relative at that moment? In other words, how was
a young lady in Magdalen's critical position likely to while away
the hours until Mr. Huxtable 's return? If there was an obstructive
gentleman in the background, it would be mere waste of time to pursue
the question.
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