"
"It was understood from the beginning that my services would
be gratuitous. That, again, need not enter into our discussion.
I have pointed out what is the only probability," said Lydgate,
impatiently. Then checking himself, he went on more quietly--
"I think I see one resource which would free us from a good deal
of the present difficulty. I hear that young Ned Plymdale is going
to be married to Miss Sophy Toller. They are rich, and it is not often
that a good house is vacant in Middlemarch. I feel sure that they
would be glad to take this house from us with most of our furniture,
and they would be willing to pay handsomely for the lease.
I can employ Trumbull to speak to Plymdale about it."
Rosamond left her husband's knee and walked slowly to the other
end of the room; when she turned round and walked towards him it
was evident that the tears had come, and that she was biting her
under-lip and clasping her hands to keep herself from crying.
Lydgate was wretched--shaken with anger and yet feeling that it
would be unmanly to vent the anger just now.
"I am very sorry, Rosamond; I know this is painful."
"I thought, at least, when I had borne to send the plate back
and have that man taking an inventory of the furniture--I should
have thought _that_ would suffice."
"I explained it to you at the time, dear.
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