“You are right,” said she, softly; “best for us both, and only fair to the girl.” Then, with sudden and eager curiosity, “Is she very pretty?”
“He says she is lovely, and every way adorable; but then he is in love. The chances are she is not half so handsome as yourself.”
“I don't believe it. If he was really in love with one woman he couldn't be just to another. _I_ couldn't. He'll be coming back to me in a few months.”
Mr. Oldfield began to stammer excuses. She interrupted him: “Oh, bother all that; I like you none the worse for speaking your mind.” Then, after a pause, “Now excuse me; but suppose Sir Charles should change his mind, and never sign this paper?”
“That is enough, sir; I see I can trust you. Well, then, I consent to break off with Sir Charles, and only see him once more--as a friend. Poor Sir Charles! I hope he will be happy” (she squeezed out a tear for him)--“happier than I am. And when he does come he can sign the deed, you know.”
Mr. Oldfield left her, and joined Sir Charles at Long's, as had been previously agreed.
“It is all right, Sir Charles; she is a sensible girl, and will give you no further trouble.”
“We dispensed with them. She saw at once it was to be business, not sentiment. You are to pay her one more visit, to sign, and part friends. If you please, I'll make that appointment with both parties, as soon as the deed is engrossed. Oh, by-the-by, she did shed a tear or two, but she dried them to ask me for the ponies and the brown mare.”
Sir Charles's vanity was mortified. But he laughed it off, and said she should have them, of course.
So now his mind was at ease, his conscience was at rest, and he could give his whole time where he had given his heart.
Richard Bassett learned, through his servant, that the wedding-dresses were ordered. He called on Miss Somerset. She was out.
Polly opened the door and gave him a look of admiration--due to his fresh color--that encouraged him to try and enlist her in his service.
He questioned her, and she told him in a general way how matters were going. “But,” said she, “why not come and talk to her yourself? Ten to one but she tells you. She is pretty outspoken.”
“My pretty dear,” said Richard, “she never will receive me.”