Ainsworth William Harrison - Chetwynd Calverley стр 17.

That is one advantage of a very large room, remarked Mildred. But I am sorry this tête-à-tête occurred so long ago. I hope it has been renewed.

No; and I fear it never will be renewed, sighed Emmeline. But I have not forgotten it.

Did it come to a positive proposal? inquired Mildred.

Not exactly; but if the gentleman had proposed I am sure I should have accepted him; and I feel I never can love any one else.

You think so now. I suppose he is still unmarried?

Shortly after the interview I have mentioned, he was engaged to another person; but the engagement was broken off, and he is now free.

Have you seen him again lately?

Not for a long, long time, Mildred; but I love him still, despite his inconstancy, and I should like to know something about him.

Emmeline, said Mildred, regarding her fixedly, you are not referring to my brother Chetwynd?

To whom else could I refer? was the reply. Mildred uttered an exclamation of surprise.

I perfectly remember Chetwynd speaking of you in rapturous terms, she said, and telling me he had had a strong flirtation with you in the gallery at Brackley Hall, but I had no idea you were at all serious on the occasion. Oh, what a chance of happiness he has missed! Had he been fortunate enough to possess you, how different would have been his life!

I loved him! said Emmeline, with emotion; and I dont believe Teresa Mildmay ever did.

I entirely agree with you, remarked Mildred. I have listened to your recital with the deepest interest, dearest Emmeline, and I wish I could give you a good account of Chetwynd, but I really cannot. I saw him the other day, but only for a few minutes.

At Ouselcroft? inquired Emmeline, eagerly.

Yes. He came there quite unexpectedly, and left immediately.

I am afraid his hasty departure doesnt look as if he had made up his quarrel with Mrs. Calverley.

Alas! no; and I greatly fear he never will become reconciled to her. Perhaps you are aware he wont accept anything from her?

Yes; and I admire his spirit.

Still he is very foolish. He is punishing himself, not her.

But he adhered to his word. I shouldnt like him half so much if he yielded.

Then your regard wont be lessened, for I feel certain he wont yield.

I judged him rightly, you see, said Emmeline; and I persuade myself he will triumph in the end. And now, dearest Mildred, before we finish our discourse, will you faithfully promise to let me know when you next see him or hear from him?

I wont delude you, Emmeline. I dont expect either to see him or hear from him. Sir Bridgnorth Charlton has very kindly undertaken to look after him, but he may not have an opportunity of doing so. Unlike anybody else, Chetwynd seems to shun those who love him or would serve him.

I hope he wont shun me, said Emmeline.

Not if he could be made aware that you take an interest in him; but how convey the information? He does not correspond with me, and I dont even know his address, or what way a letter could reach him.

Then I must remain in the same state of uncertainty as ever, said Emmeline, in a despairing tone. You give me small comfort, Mildred.

I pity you from my heart, dearest Emmeline; but comfort you I cannot.

For a moment, Emmeline seemed overpowered by emotion. She then found relief in tears, and her head dropped on Mildreds shoulder.

Think of him no more think of him no more! cried Mildred. He does not deserve your love, I, his sister, say so.

Emmeline made no response, but continued to sob.

Neither of them were aware that Lady Barfleur had entered the gallery.

Greatly surprised at what she beheld, her ladyship stood still. Fortunately she did not hear the words uttered by Mildred, so she could only guess at the cause of this sudden outburst of grief.

At length she announced her presence by a slight cough, and Mildred perceived her.

Calm yourself, dearest girl, she whispered to Emmeline. Your mother is here.

Here! exclaimed Emmeline, looking up. Yes, I see. Can she have heard anything?

I think not. But be calm, or you will betray yourself!

Thereupon they both arose, and Emmeline did her best to repress her emotion, and succeeded in forcing a smile.

You will scold me, mamma, when you learn that I have been so foolish as to weep at a very pathetic story told me by Mildred, she said.

I am glad to find it is nothing serious, replied Lady Barfleur.

Have you come to tell us that papa has captured the gipsies?

No; he has not yet returned, replied Lady Barfleur. I came to let you know that Mrs. Calverly and Captain Danvers have gone to the garden. Perhaps you may like to join them there.

Shall we, Mildred?

By all means, was the reply. I shouldnt think I had been at Brackley unless I had had a stroll in the delightful old garden.

Dont wait for me; Ill follow, said Lady Barfleur.

Glad to escape further questioning, the two delinquents flew down the spiral staircase, and hastened to the garden.

XI. WHAT PASSED IN THE GARDEN

This remark was made by Captain Danvers, as he was seated by the side of the charming widow on a bench near one of the fountains.

Come and see it, and judge, she replied. We shall be at home to-morrow.