“The gentleman who had the great pleasure of meeting Miss Rose Hartley on the steam-boat this morning, hopes soon to behold her again, as her charms have made an ineffaceable impression upon him. He feels certain that the incident that occurred on the pier must have been as vexatious to her as to him; but she may rest assured that the ruffian who committed the assault shall not pass unpunished.”
“So, then, he has discovered your address!” cried Walter. “I wonder how he learnt it, since he ran off.”
“I could not have credited such audacity, without proof positive!” exclaimed Rose, indignantly. “Does Mr. Romney imagine I will ever exchange another word with him, except to express my anger and scorn? Have I given him any encouragement, that he should dare to write me such a letter?” she added, tears of vexation starting to her eyes.
“No, no! I am sure not,” cried Walter. “But it is part of Romney's system; he believes no woman can resist him. I now begin to think he will persist in the attempt, notwithstanding the chastisement he has received, and the utter want of encouragement on your part.”
“Dear me! I declare I'm all of a tremble!” cried Mrs. Hartley. “I don't know what we shall do to get rid of him.”
“Never mind him,” cried Rose. “I'm not at all afraid.”
“Leave me to deal with him,” said Walter. “Tomorrow I'll look after him.”
“It is Harry Netterville's business to defend me,” cried Rose.
“But I understand the man,” rejoined Walter. “Besides, I have still an account to settle with him. Leave him to me.”
“Yes; Mr. Liddel will manage him best,” said Mrs Hartley. “But I'll go and bring in tea; a cup will do us all good after this bother.”
As the good dame had foreseen, the pleasant beverage soon produced a tranquillising effect, and enabled them to spend an hour or two in cheerful converse.
Walter then thought it time to go back to Mr. Tankard's, but offered to stay and take charge of them if they felt at all afraid. Mrs. Hartley said she expected her husband every minute, and he would bring them to the party.
“In that case, you can dispense with me,” said Walter. “We shall meet again before long, and then you'll find me completely transmogrified.”
“I am sorry to hear it,” said Rose; “I like you very well as you are.”