"My dear, I couldn't possibly think of such a thing."
"But this doesn't bind you to anything. I only say what I think,—how very very delightful it will be. And after such a present from him—don't you think we shall feel inclined to do whatever he wants? Now, if you will give me your note, I'll have them both posted directly."
"Well," the Colonel said in resigned accents; and he resisted no more.
"Things certainly are better than they were a year ago," Dorothea thought; but she did not think how much her own patience and unselfishness had had to do with the change.
[CHAPTER XVIII]
A MISTAKE
"THE twelfth of February," said Emmeline Claughton. She spoke in a slow considering tone, gazing at the Woodlands' drawing-room fireplace, and surrounded by the Woodlands quartette of ladies.
"Nearly a fortnight off," remarked Margot.
"Yes."