Whoever told you so has been very wicked."
Mrs. Mountjoy no doubt thought that this wicked communication had been
made by Harry Annesley. "Augustus has always proved himself to be
affectionate and respectful to his elder brother, that is, to his
brother who is--is older than himself," added Mrs. Mountjoy, feeling
that there was a difficulty in expressing herself as to the presumed
condition of the two Scarboroughs, "Of course he would rather be owner
of Tretton than let any one else have it, if you mean that. The honor of
the family is very much to him."
"I do not know that the family can have any honor left," said Florence,
severely.
"My dear, you have no right to say that. The Scarboroughs have always
held their heads very high in Staffordshire, and more so of late than
ever. I don't mean quite of late, but since Tretton became of so much
importance. Now, I'll tell you what I think we had better do. We'll go
and spend six weeks with your uncle at Brussels. He has always been
pressing us to come."
"Oh, mamma, he does not want us."
"How can you say that? How do you know?"
"I am sure Sir Magnus will not care for our coming now. Besides, how
could that be retiring into private life? Sir Magnus, as ambassador, has
his house always full of company.
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