However, there was something in the old soldier's dignity and long
service that kept the arrogance of the younger man in check, and
repressed all bluster towards him.
Demands for money were, as usual, made, but the settlement of accounts
was deferred till the arrival of Hargrave, the family man of business,
who came by coach to Bath, and then rode across to Carminster. The
Major dined that day at the Great House, and came home early, with
something so strange and startled about his looks that Betty feared
that her worst misgivings were realised. It was a relief to hear him
say, "Come hither, Betty, I want a word with you." At least it was
no duel!
"What is it, dear sir?" she asked, as she shut his study door. "Is
it come at last? Must we quit this place?"
"No, I could bear that better, but what do you think she asks of me
now?--to give my little Aurelia, my beautiful darling, to that madman
in the dark!"
"Oh!" exclaimed Betty, in a strange tone of discovery. "May I inquire
what you said?"
"I said--I scarce know what I said. I declared it monstrous, and not
to be thought of for a moment; and then she went on in her fashion that
would wile a bird off a bush, declaring that no doubt the proposal was
a shock, but if I would turn the matter over, I should see it was for
the dear child's advantage.
Pages:
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198