When I tell you that Norah's faithful
attachment to her sister still remains unshaken, and that there lies
hidden under her noble submission to the unhappy circumstances of her
life a proud susceptibility to slights of all kinds, which is deeply
seated in her nature--you will understand the true motive of the refusal
which has so naturally and so justly disappointed you. They are all
three equally to blame in this matter. Your uncle was wrong to state
his objections so roundly and inconsiderately as he did. Mrs. Tyrrel was
wrong to let her temper get the better of her, and to suppose herself
insulted where no insult was intended. And Norah was wrong to place a
scruple of pride, and a hopeless belief in her sister which no strangers
can be expected to share, above the higher claims of an attachment which
might have secured the happiness and the prosperity of her future life.
"But the mischief has been done. The next question is, can the harm be
remedied?
"I hope and believe it can. My advice is this: Don't take No for an
answer. Give her time enough to reflect on what she has done, and to
regret it (as I believe she will regret it) in secret; trust to my
influence over her to plead your cause for you at every opportunity I
can find; wait patiently for the right moment, and ask her again.
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