"You are always good and kind. When will you come back?"
"Of course, if Aunt Delia and Maud go away I can't stay away too long."
"Yes--but unselfish women are not always easy to deal with."
They turned into a path leading to the front of Waycott Hall, and Toney remarked,
"I think this is the most beautiful house I have ever seen. How can you leave it! Your people will miss you--and--" she wanted to say, "and Maud will be lonely," but he evidently would not discuss Maud with her, so she stopped.
"Oh, it will be all right---- There are some things one can't stand too long."
"Of course, repairs of gates and tenants' grumbles and--I know I always wonder at Uncle Evas' patience over it all. Now I will go and find Mrs. Hamilton. Will she churn a bit?" Lewis smiled.
"I expect she'll be not too pleased because she--was looking out for a good match."
Toney flew into the drawing-room, where in the pleasant room full of old treasures, the two ladies sat working. Maud and Jeanie were not there.
"How do you do, Mrs. Hamilton, it's all beautiful and I want to tell you that----"
"That you are a deep conspirator," said Miss Honoria.
"It was so beautiful, wasn't it, all music---- I couldn't hear it, but people said he played out of his heart, anyhow, it's fixed up and I'm going to help them with the trousseau. You don't mind, do you? It's such a pleasure for me to manage. I think some ancestor of mine must have been a store manager."
"But really, Antonia, I can't allow it, I can't accept--they must wait till----"
"Till they lose sight of each other again! Oh, it's not possible. He just worships her."
"Jeanie was very much admired last night," sighed Mrs. Hamilton.
"If you give leave you needn't trouble one bit. It's to be quite quiet and simple, and you'll just drive to church and half an hour will do it."
Mrs. Hamilton was torn by conflicting thoughts. Toney's generosity was splendid, but Jeanie might do better by waiting.
"Please say 'yes,' or I must telegraph to stop Wood."
"You must have your way, silly child. You always do! Oh, here's Lewis. Have you heard of Antonia's generous offer? I really doubt but----"
"Toney's quite right. They've waited long enough. By the way, I'm sorry, Aunt Delia, but I have settled to travel a little and I shan't be here. I'll give the wedding breakfast anyhow, and my blessing."
