He was so stunned by astonishment that he could not speak for a moment; then he gasped out:
"They are my own, and I do not choose to disclose them!" she haughtily replied.
"But you may change your mind some time, Mrs. Fielding. In the meantime, will you permit Flower to correspond with me while I am away?" he asked, feeling sure that she would not always cling to this preposterous resolution.
"I shall never change my mind, Mr. Meredith, and I can not consent to your request. And I desire that you hold no further communication with my--with Flower," rising as if to signify that the interview was closed.
His eyes flashed proudly, and he asked, almost bitterly:
"You will permit me to see Flower once more at least, and bid her good-bye?"
She hesitated a moment, and then said, condescendingly:
"Yes, you may see her, but only this once. Do not call again, as you will not be admitted. Remember also that you must not intrude on my daughters in their walks, or I shall confine them to the house. I will now send Flower to you, and you may tell her what I have said."
"She does not mean it, she could not be so cruel. Never to see you again, not even to hear from you while you are away! Oh, Laurie, I can not bear it! I will go down upon my knees to mamma and beg her to have mercy upon me, for I should die if I were parted from you!" Flower wept, impetuously.
"Darling!" he cried, passionately, and clasped her in his arms, raining fondest kisses on the fair face and golden hair.
Mrs. Fielding's strange looks and words had inspired him with the belief that she was crazed by some mysterious trouble, and he trembled at the thought of leaving his loving little Flower to her doubtful care. He was angry, too, at the scorn with which she had treated him, and a mad resolve was forming swiftly in his mind.
"Darling, you say that you will speak to her. Perhaps she will listen to you and consent to make us happy. But she has forbidden me to come here again, or to join you in your daily walks. So how am I to find out her decision?" he whispered, fearful lest his ordinary voice might be overheard, and it was well that he took that precaution, for Jewel was near at hand, listening with bated breath to catch every word.