Page 94 (1/2)

"You shall be as abstract as you like," he said; "and as long

as you like I give you leave"

"That's nonsense, though, Mr Randolph," saidat the back of his chair "Daisy cannot live in

abstractions for ever She must choose, and let her choice be

known; and the sooner the better Nobody can guess it now She

has been abstract enough"

I was in the greatest perplexity at this speech, which

conveyed towhatever Let my choice be known?

Did mamma know about Mr Thorold? I knew she could not; but

then, what did she mean?

"There is no hurry, Felicia," said papa

"I will not have Daisy reed There is no present likelihood that she will"

"But e get to Florence, Mr Randolph, and she is seen in

the great world, things may not absolutely be within your

control - or ers upon the back of ht her very odd indeed Her last sentence,

however, had a word that I could answer I stood up and faced

her