"
"But, indeed, dear Giles," pleaded Lady Jane, "you know Barbara did
not want her to say what was false."
"No," said the Colonel: "that was a mere misunderstanding. It is
the spirit of distrust that--assuming that a child will act
dishonourably--is likely to drive her to do so."
"I never distrusted Katharine till she drove me to do so," said Lady
Barbara, with cold, stern composure.
"I would never bring an accusation of breach of trust where I had not
made it evident that I reposed confidence," said the Colonel.
"I see how it is," said Lady Barbara; "you have heard one side. I do
not contradict. I know the girl would not wilfully deceive by word;
and I am willing to confess that I am not capable of dealing with
her. Only from a sense of duty did I ever undertake it."
"Of duty, Barbara?" he asked.
"Yes--of duty to the family."
"We do not see those things in the same light," he said quietly. "I
thought, as you know, that the duty was more incumbent when the child
was left an orphan--a burthen on relatives who could ill afford to be
charged with her. Perhaps, Barbara, if you had noticed her THEN,
instead of waiting till circumstances made her the head of our
family, you might have been able to give her that which has been
wanting in your otherwise conscientious training--affection."
Lady Barbara held up her head, stiffly, but she was very near tears,
of pain and wounded pride; but she would not defend herself; and she
saw that even her faithful Jane did not feel with her.
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