The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
"Simon, you almost make me ashamed of my mistrust; and yet I cannot help being
anxious. Why does she not write to me?"
"In truth, I cannot say, madam. Not, I feel sure, because she has anything to conceal.
Her letters spoke openly of his Royal Highness' attentions. Oh," he cried passionately,
"it is inconceivable to me that you can doubt her!"
The lady was silent for a moment, looking fixedly at him; then she said with a deep
sigh:—
"I hope you are right, Simon — indeed, you must be right. Surely I should be satisfied if
you are."
"Satisfied!” he repeated with a groan; continuing after a pause in an altered tone — "I
believe her to be incapable of compromising herself if that is what you mean."
"You are a good man,” said the mother, speaking, however, sorrowfully;" no one will
ever love my poor child as you do."
It was about a week later that Simon received a letter in a hand that was unknown to
him, a delicate, flowing hand, evidently that of a woman. On opening it he discovered
that it was headed "Brightelmstone," and was from no other person than gentle Bertha
Gifford.
[328]
"You will be surprised to hear from me, my dear Cousin," it began, "but I have no one
with whom to take counsel on a very delicate matter, and so bethought me of turning to
you. You remember the great kindness I have received from the Charnock family, and
the friendship which exists between me and Rachel. She is, as you are perhaps aware,
staying in this place; and I am at the present moment sorely perplexed and disturbed
about her. Though she is as affectionate to me as ever, I find her in many respects
changed. She is restless and flighty, perpetually craving for excitement, and— what
gives me most anxiety — seems quite heedless of the remarks to which she exposes
herself. I could not bring myself to write these things. Cousin, were it not for my
attachment to the dear girl, and my conviction that you will respect my confidence, and
advise me wisely. I remember your esteem for the Charnock family, and I know that