Men and women in middle life may
have true and intimate friendships without any thought of marriage. I
doubt whether this is possible for young people, though I know it is the
fashion nowadays to behave as though it were. And especially is it
difficult--or impossible--where there has been any thought of love--on
either side. For love is the great, unmanageable, explosive thing, which
cannot be tamed down, at a word, into friendship--not in youth at any
rate. The attempt to treat it as a negligible quantity can only bring
suffering and misunderstanding.
"But I must not preach to you like this. I am sure you know--now--that
what I say has truth in it. Thank you again for the feeling that dictated
your letter. Harry is very well and very busy. We hoped to go to London
before Christmas, but this most difficult and unhappy affair of Mrs.
Melrose and her daughter detains us. Whether we shall obtain justice for
them in the end I do not know. At present the adverse influences are very
strong--and the indignation of all decent people seems to make no
difference. Mr. Faversham's position is indeed difficult to understand.
"Please remember me kindly to your mother and sister. Next year I hope we
shall be able to meet as usual. But for the present, as you and Harry
have agreed, it is better not."
* * * * *
Victoria was extremely dissatisfied with this letter when she had done
it. But she knew very well that Harry would have resented a single harsh
word from her toward the misguided Lydia; and she did not know how better
to convey the warning that burnt on her lips with regard to Faversham.
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