"She has been at Bowstead, and
brings fresh tidings of our Aura. The darling is as fair and sprightly
as a May morning, and beloved by all who come near her--bless her!"
Palmer echoed a fervent "Amen!" and Betty asked, "Is this my Lady's
report?"
"Suspicious Betty! You will soon be satisfied," said the Major in
high glee. "Did not Dove meet me at the front door, and Mrs. Dove
waylay me in the hall to tell me that the child looked blooming and
joyous, and in favour with all, gentle and simple? Come her, Eugene,
ay, and Harriet and Arden too. Let us hear what my little maid says
for herself. For look here!" and he held aloft Aurelia's packet, at
sight of which Eugene capered high, and all followed into the parlour.
Mr. Arden was constantly about the house. There was no doubt that he
would soon be preferred to a Chapter living in Buckinghamshire, and
he had thus been emboldened to speak out his wishes. It would have
been quite beneath the dignity of a young lady of Miss Harriet's
sensibility to have consented, and she was in the full swing of her
game at coyness and reluctance, daily vowing that nothing should
induce her to resign her liberty, and that she should be frightened
out of her life by Mr. Arden's experiments; while her father had
cordially received the minor Canon's proposals, and already treated
him as one of the family.
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