Indeed, the evil is already done. I have not a
volume which I have not read repeatedly."
It is needless to add that Brother Cross was compelled to forego his
book examination at the widow Cooper's, though strongly recommended
there to press it at Widow Thackeray's. Alfred Stevens was a mute
observer during the interview, which did not last very long after
the appearance of Margaret. He was confirmed in all his previous
impressions of her beauty, nor did the brevity of the conference
prevent him from perceiving her intense self-esteem, which under
certain influences of temperament is only another name for vanity.
Besides they had exchanged glances which were volumes, rendering
unnecessary much future explanation. She had seen that he was
secretly laughing at the simple preacher, and that was a source
of sympathy between them. She was very much in the habit of doing
the same thing. He, on the other hand, was very well satisfied
that the daughter of such a mother must be perverse and vain; and
he was moralist enough to know that there is no heart so accessible to
the tempter as the proud and wilful heart.
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