 end of a grassy walk, said, »I
understand that you resist any attempt to fetter you, but either your feeling
for Fred Vincy excludes your entertaining another attachment, or it does not:
either he may count on your remaining single until he shall have earned your
hand, or he may in any case be disappointed. Pardon me, Mary - you know I used
to catechise you under that name - but when the state of a woman's affections
touches the happiness of another life - of more lives than one - I think it
would be the nobler course for her to be perfectly direct and open.«
    Mary in her turn was silent, wondering not at Mr. Farebrother's manner but
at his tone, which had a grave restrained emotion in it. When the strange idea
flashed across her that his words had reference to himself, she was incredulous,
and ashamed of entertaining it. She had never thought that any man could love
her except Fred, who had espoused her with the umbrella ring, when she wore
socks and little strapped shoes; still less that she could be of any importance
to Mr. Farebrother, the cleverest man in her narrow circle. She had only time to
feel that all this was hazy and perhaps illusory; but one thing was clear and
determined - her answer.
    »Since you think it my duty, Mr. Farebrother, I will tell you that I have
too strong a feeling for Fred to give him up for any one else. I should never be
quite happy if I thought he was unhappy for the loss of me. It has taken such
deep root in me - my gratitude to him for always loving me best, and minding so
much if I hurt myself, from the time when we were very little. I cannot imagine
any new feeling coming to make that weaker. I should like better than anything
to see him worthy of every one's respect. But please tell him I will not promise
to marry him till then; I should shame and grieve my father and mother. He is
free to choose some one else.«
    »Then I have fulfilled my commission thoroughly,« said Mr. Farebrother,
putting out his hand to Mary, »and I shall ride back to Middlemarch forthwith.
With this prospect before him, we shall get Fred into the right niche somehow,
and I hope I shall live to join your hands. God bless you!«
    »Oh, please stay, and let me give you some tea,« said Mary. Her eyes filled
with tears, for something indefinable, something like
