"And then came the conclusion. Oh, the beautiful conclusion! The romantic conclusion when that misguided young gentleman called Tom Rising endeavoured to carry her off. 'Twas a gallant attempt, and would have succeeded, I doubt not----"
"Madam, with submission--you know not Molly."
"I know my own sex, Jack--and I know that a man is never liked the less for showing courage. However, Lord Fylingdale took the matter into his own hands--rode after her--fought the unlucky Tom and brought back the lady. I am still, I believe, correct."
"You are quite correct, madam, so far as I know."
"The next day Lord Fylingdale called at the captain's house to inquire after the lady's health. He saw the captain; he saw the lady herself, who was none the worse, but rather much the better for the excitement of the adventure and the delightful sight of two gentlemen trying to kill each other for her sake. He also saw the lady's mother, who came out of the kitchen, her red arms white with dough and flour, to receive the noble lord. Her lively sallies only made him the more madly in love with the girl."
How had she learned all this? I cannot tell. But ladies of wealth can always, I believe, find out things, and servants know what goes on.
Lady Anastasia continued her narrative. "Next day my lord sent his secretary, Mr. Semple, as an ambassador to the captain. He was instructed to ask formally the hand of the captain's ward in the name of his master. This he did, the captain not being able to disguise his joy and pride at this most unexpected honour. Now, sir, you perceive that I do know the secrets of that young lady. This morning he has again visited the house, and he received the consent--no doubt it was with disguised joy--of the lady herself. And you have just come from her. She has told you of her fine lover and of her engagement."
"I will tell you more. My lord desires a private marriage and a marriage very soon. Ha! Do I surprise you?"
"Madam, I perceive that he has told you all. You are quite right. The wedding, as you know, is to be in St. Nicholas Church to-morrow morning at six before the better sort have left their beds. And in order not to be recognised by any of the people, Molly will wear a domino and her pink silk cloak."