"I do not know Mr. Hale. I mean, it is difficult to give advice. But I should say, bear on, with the knowledge you have forced me to give you so abruptly, till the fact which I could not withhold has become in some degree familiar to you, so that you may without too great an effort, be able to give what comfort you can to your father. Before then,--my visits, which of course, I shall repeat from time to time, although I fear I can do nothing but alleviate,--a thousand little circumstances will have occurred to awaken his alarm, to deepen it--so that he will be all the better prepared.--Nay, my dear young lady--nay, my dear--I saw Mr. Thornton, and I honour your father for the sacrifice he has made, however mistaken I may believe him to be.--Well, this once, if it will please you, my dear. Only remember, when I come again, I come as a friend. And you must learn to look upon me as such, because seeing each other--getting to know each other at such times as these, is worth years of morning calls."
Margaret could not speak for crying; but she wrang his hand at parting.

'I do not know Mr. Hale. But I should say, wait until the fact has become more familiar to you, so that you may be able to comfort your father. I will visit, although I fear I can do nothing but alleviate; and some symptoms will have awakened his alarm, so that he will be better prepared. My dear - I saw Mr. Thornton, and I honour your father for the sacrifice he has made. Remember, when I come again, I come as a friend. And you must learn to look upon me as such, because getting to know each other at such times as these, is worth years of morning calls.'
Margaret could not speak for crying: but she wrung his hand at parting.
