"Oswald may have an equal chance then among the other favourites?" said Lady Laura, after another pause. "There are no favourites, and I will not say that any man may have a chance. Why do you press me about your brother in this way?" "Because I am so anxious. Because it would save him. Because you are the only woman for whom he has ever cared, and because he loves you with all his heart; and because his father would be reconciled to him to-morrow if he heard that you and he were engaged." "Laura, my dear—" "Well." "You won't be angry if I speak out?" "Certainly not. After what I have said,
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