How can I
expect you to marry me, as you very properly remark, unless I give you a
day or two to make up your mind? It's quite enough for me that you like
the prospect. If Lady Lydiard treated you as her daughter, why shouldn't
you be my wife? It stands to reason that you're quite right to marry a
man who can raise you in the world. I like you to be ambitious--though
Heaven knows it isn't much I can do for you, except to love you with all
my heart. Still, it's a great encouragement to hear that her Ladyship's
views agree with mine--"
"They don't agree, Mr. Hardyman!" protested poor Isabel. "You are
entirely misrepresenting--"
Hardyman cordially concurred in this view of the matter. "Yes! yes! I
can't pretend to represent her Ladyship's language, or yours either; I
am obliged to take my words as they come to me. Don't disturb yourself:
it's all right--I understand. You have made me the happiest man living.
I shall ride over to-morrow to your aunt's house, and hear what you have
to say to me. Mind you're at home! Not a day must pass now without my
seeing you. I do love you, Isabel--I do, indeed!" He stooped, and kissed
her heartily. "Only to reward me," he explained, "for giving you time to
think."
She drew herself away from him--resolutely, not angrily. Before she
could make a third attempt to place the subject in its right light
before him, the luncheon bell rang at the cottage--and a servant
appeared evidently sent to look for them.
"Don't forget to-morrow," Hardyman whispered confidentially.
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