I see some one now, said she; by the rarest bit of good luck enabled to evade giving an answer to the question.
See some un now! Whar?
There, a friend of yours, coming along the lane.
Alf Brandon! exclaimed the old hunter, hurrying forth to receive the individual then announced; and who, astride a sleek horse, was seen riding leisurely in the direction of the house.
For Lena Rook it was an opportune arrival; and, for a time at least, she was spared that threatened chapter o kattykism.
Story 1-Chapter XVIII. An Angry Admirer
Though for years he had been the most solicitous of her suitors, she felt for him something more than contempt.
Despite his position in society far superior to her own despite his fine clothes and speeches, she saw through the character of the man, and believed him to be both a pretender and
poltroon.
She knew that he was cruel a tyrant to all who had the misfortune to be under him, and a hard task-master to the black-skinned slaves that lived upon his fathers plantation.
Though dissipated, he was not generous; and, with all the plenty he possessed, he was accounted among his associates the closest of screws. He spent money, and enough of it, but only upon himself, and in the indulgence of his own sensual desires.
He had obtained the reputation of being one of the meanest fellows in the neighbourhood to which he belonged; and Lena Rook knew it.
She had never liked him as a boy; and her aversion was increased by her knowledge that, as a boy, he had been the bitter enemy of Pierre Robideau.
She did not think how much of this hostility was due to herself; for, from an early period, the son of the planter had been bitterly jealous of her playmate and companion.
But she remembered the scene in the glade; she believed that Alf Brandon had been the chief instigator; and she had, all along, suspected that Pierres absence was in some way due to what had that day transpired.
She was very pleased to see Brandon now, only because he had rescued her from a position that promised to become embarrassing. What answer could she have made to that question her father had asked?
The opportune arrival had relieved her from an agony of apprehension.
The planter now that his father was dead, no longer the planters son seemed a little surprised at the pleased look with which she received him. She was not accustomed to give him such gracious acceptance, and little dreamt he of its cause.
No doubt, reasoned he, with a feeling of self-gratulation, shes heard Im now my own master, and wont much object to my becoming hers. A planter in his own right is a very different individual from a planter expectant; and Miss Lena Rook will have the sense to see it. I dont think there will be much difficulty about this thing. Shes been only pretending with me in the past; now that she sees alls ready, I guess shell not stand shilly-shallying any longer. So here goes for the proposals.
This string of reflections were made after Alfred Brandon had entered the gate, and was making his way towards the porch, on which the young lady was still standing. They were finished as he set foot on the step.
There was no one to interfere with the conversation that came after. Jerry Rook, suspecting the purport of the planters visit, had stayed behind to hitch up his horse, and afterwards found excuse to stray off to the back of the house, leaving the two alone.
I suppose you have heard of my affliction, Miss Rook? said Brandon, after salutations had been exchanged.
My father has been just telling me of it.
Ah! yes; my old dads dead and gone; buried him day before yesterday. Cant be helped, you know. Its the way of us all. Weve all got to die.
To this lugubrious declaration Lena Rook yielded ready assent.
There was a pause in the conversation. Notwithstanding his plentitude of power, tending to inspire him with sufficient assurance, the suitor felt ill at ease. It was not to be wondered at, considering the errand on which he had come.
Moreover, the pleasant look had forsaken Lenas face, and he had begun to doubt of success.
She knew what he had come for, and was seriously reflecting upon the answer she should give him.
She, of course, intended it to be negative; but she remembered her fathers words, and was thinking in what way she might reject the disagreeable suitor, without stirring up his spite. She so well understood his nature as to know he would be contemptible enough to use it.
It was no thought of herself that dictated the affability with which she was entertaining him; though she could scarce conceal her disgust for the man before her, talking in such strains of a father so recently deceased.
She, too, had a father, who was not what he ought to be; and she knew it. But still he was her father.
After remaining for some time silent not knowing what to say Brandon at length summoned sufficient courage to stammer out his proposal. It was done with some fear and trembling.
He was more himself after he had received the refusal, which he did, in as delicate terms as the young lady could command.