
position.«
    »She never once told me of this old lover.«
    »The gentlest women are not such fools as to show every card.«
    »Well, if she wants him I suppose she must have him.«
    »It is easy enough to say that; but you don't see the difficulty. He wants
her much more than she wants him; and before I can encourage anything of the
sort I must have a clear understanding from you that you will not interfere to
injure an arrangement which I promote in the belief that it is for the best.
Suppose, when they are engaged, and everything is smoothly arranged for their
marriage, that you should step between them and renew your suit? You might not
win her back, but you might cause much unhappiness.«
    »Of course I should do no such thing,« said Wildeve. »But they are not
engaged yet. How do you know that Thomasin would accept him?«
    »That's a question I have carefully put to myself; and upon the whole the
probabilities are in favour of her accepting him in time. I flatter myself that
I have some influence over her. She is pliable, and I can be strong in my
recommendations of him.«
    »And in your disparagement of me at the same time.«
    »Well, you may depend upon my not praising you,« she said drily. »And if
this seems like manoeuvring, you must remember that her position is peculiar,
and that she has been hardly used. I shall also be helped in making the match by
her own desire to escape from the humiliation of her present state; and a
woman's pride in these cases will lead her a very great way. A little managing
may be required to bring her round; but I am equal to that, provided that you
agree to the one thing indispensable; that is, to make a distinct declaration
that she is to think no more of you as a possible husband. That will pique her
into accepting him.«
    »I can hardly say that just now, Mrs. Yeobright. It is so sudden.«
    »And so my whole plan is interfered with! It is very inconvenient that you
refuse to help my family even to the small extent of saying distinctly you will
have nothing to do with us.«
    Wildeve reflected uncomfortably. »I confess I was not prepared for this,« he
said. »Of course I'll give her up if you wish, if it is necessary. But I thought
I might be her husband.
