"Of course you must know that _I_ think so, and that I--I--want to know if you will let me tell you I love you? Upon my word, I--do hope you'll give me a chance. Mother is awfully fond of you too, and in fact, will you be my wife?"
Never, never had Edward found it so difficult to compose a speech worthy of the occasion. He had never made love to such a perfectly simple bright-eyed girl, impervious to flattery.
Suddenly Toney realised that she was having an offer made to her:
"Gracious stars! You don't mean you want to marry me? I'm sure you don't, because Aunt Dove says no one can want to marry me except for my money," and Toney laughed happily, "and you are ever so much too nice for that."
If only she had been shy! If only she had not mentioned money in this bald way!
"Of course it isn't for your money--but----" the lie stuck a little in his throat, looking at those wide-opened laughing eyes, "but I think I could make you happy, and you should have your own way." Toney nodded.
"Oh, yes, of course I should! That's why it's no use thinking of it. My way and your way would never be one scrap like twins. Uncle Dove says it's best to give me my head, but he declares no other man but he would put up with it! Ouf! that's over, isn't it? You don't mind one bit, I'm sure! Good-bye. I heard uncle calling. Time's up and Colon hates waiting. Good-bye," and Toney flew off like a sudden gust of wind, leaving Edward Lang to chew the cud of disappointment alone.
Lady Southbourne watched Sir Evas and Toney ride off followed by Jim, who had enjoyed himself immensely in the servants' hall, weaving yarns about his mistress and Colon.
"Well, Toney, you look very fit in spite of your high jumps," said Sir Evas, looking with pleasure at his niece, "It was a very fine run."
"And you look all the sprucer, dear old duck, but I shan't come often if----"
"If I have to have an offer at the end! Mr. Lang didn't do it very easily either, got into a bog and sort of stuck there."
"Good heavens, Toney, have you refused the best match of the county?"
"I don't believe he wanted _me_, but the money. Aunt Dove sees some things awfully truly, I can tell you, uncle, so I just repeated what she said about it to him."