He reached home late, but in exuberant spirits. Elizabeth was waiting for him. She was beautifully dressed, and in a moment he saw upon her hand the flash of large and perfect diamonds. "They were mother's, I suppose, and I have as much right--yes, more right--to them than she has." This was his first thought, but he did not express it. There was an air about Elizabeth that was quite new to him; he was curious and full of expectation as he seated himself beside her. She shook her head in a reproving manner.
"You have been making love to Denas. I see it in your eyes, Roland. And you promised me you never would."
"Upon my honour, Elizabeth. We met the old fisher Penelles a long way up the cliff and he took her from me. Talking of making love--pray, what have you been doing? I thought you had a headache."
"Roland, I am going to be married--June the 11th."
"It is. Mr. Burrell says it was his mother's engagement ring; but, then, gems are all second-hand--a hundred-hand--a thousand-hand for that."
"Burrell! You take my breath away! Burrell! The man who has a bank in Threadneedle Street?"
"Good gracious, Elizabeth! You have made all our fortunes! You noble girl! I did not know he was thinking of you."
"He was waiting for me. Destiny, Roland. But he is a noble-hearted man, and he loves me and I intend to be a good wife to him. I do indeed. He is going to make a great settlement on me, and I shall have an income of my own from it--all my own, to do what I like with."
"Elizabeth, dear, I always have loved you better than anything else in the world. You will not forget me now, will you, dear?"
"Why, Roland, I thought of you when I accepted Mr. Burrell. When I am married, Roland, I shall manage things for you as you wish them, I daresay. The man loves me so much that I could get not the half, but the whole of his kingdom from him."
"You are the dearest, noblest sister in the world."
"I could not bear to go to sleep without making you as happy as myself. Now, Roland, there is something you must not do, and that is, have any love nonsense with Denas Penelles. At Burrell Court you will meet rich girls and girls of good birth, and your only chance is in a rich marriage--you know it is, Roland."