"Do you mean to say that he won't take your refusal?" said her uncle, looking very angry.
"That is what he says," she sobbed. "He had an opportunity only for a few words, and that was the purport of them; and I was so astounded, I could not reply; and, instead of going away, he remains here. Papa and he have arranged to prolong his visit; so I shall be teased and frightened, and I am so nervous and agitated; and it is such an outrage!"
"Now, we must not lose our heads, my dear child; we must consult calmly. It seems you don't think it possible that you may come to like Lord Wynderbroke sufficiently to marry him."
"I would rather _die_! If this goes on, I sha'n't stay here. I'd go and be a governess rather."
"I think you might give my house a trial first," said Uncle David merrily; "but it is time to talk about that by-and-by. What does May Penrose think of it? She sometimes, I believe, on an emergency, lights on a sensible suggestion."
"She had to return to town with Lady Mary, who dined here also; I did not know she was going until a few minutes before they left. I've been so _miserably_ unlucky! and I could not make an opportunity without its seeming so rude to Lady Mary, and I don't know her well enough to tell her; and, you have no idea, papa is so incensed, and so peremptory; and what _am_ I to do? Oh! dear uncle, think of something. I know you'll help me."
"That I will," said the old gentleman. "But allowances are to be made for a poor old devil so much in love as Lord Wynderbroke."
"I don't think he likes me now--he can't like me," said Alice. "But he is angry. It is simply pride and vanity. From something papa said, I am sure of it, Lord Wynderbroke has been telling his friends, and speaking, I fancy, as if everything was arranged, and he never anticipated that I could have any mind of my own; and I suppose he thinks he would be laughed at, and so I am to undergo a persecution, and he won't hear of anything but what he pleases; and papa is determined to accomplish it. And, oh! what _am_ I to do?"
"I'll tell you, but you must do exactly as I bid you. Who's there?" he said suddenly, as Alice's maid opened the door.
"Oh! I beg pardon--Miss Alice, please," she said, dropping a curtsey and drawing back.