Was not the matter
which had been so far discussed of vital importance for both of
them? And, glorious as she was above all other women, the offer
which he had made must have some weight with her. He did not think
that he proposed to give more than she deserved, but still that
which he was so willing to give was not a little. Or was it
possible that she had not understood his meaning? If so, he would
not willingly lose a moment before he made it plain to her. But
she seemed content to hang about with the other women, and when
she sauntered about the grounds seated herself on a garden-chair
with Lady Mabel, and discussed with great eloquence the general
beauty of Scottish scenery. An hour went on in this way. Could it
be that she knew that he had offered to make her his wife? During
this time he went and returned more than once, but still she was
there, on the same garden-seat, talking to those who came in her
way.
Then on a sudden she got up and put her hand on his arm. 'Come and
take a turn with me,' she said. 'Lord Silverbridge, do you
remember anything of last night?'
'Remember!'
'I thought for a while this morning that I would let it all pass
as though it had been a mere trifling!'
'It would have wanted two to let it pass in that way,' he said,
almost indignantly.
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