“I was grateful for his interference.”
“Why did you not remain at Richmoor until I returned? I expected it, Kate.”
“I was afraid; and I knew my mother would be anxious–and I felt so sad among strangers. You know, Piers, I have always lived among my own people–among those who loved me.”
This little bit of conversation had taken place while the tray was being removed, and the Squire and Mrs. Atheling were talking about the engagements for the next day, so that definite orders might be given concerning the carriage and horses. The movements of the servants had enabled Piers and Kate, quite naturally, to withdraw a little from the fireside group; and when Kate made her tender assertion, about living with those who loved her, Piers’s heart was full to overflowing. This girl of sweet nature, with her innocent beauty and ingenuous expressions, possessed his noblest feelings. He clasped her hands in his, and said,–
“Oh, Kate! I loved you when you were only twelve years old; I love you now beyond all measure of words. And you love me? Speak, Dear One!”
“I love none but thee!”
The next moment she was standing before her father and mother. Piers held her hand. He was talking to them in low but eager tones, yet she did not realise a word, until he said,–
“Give her to me, my friends. We have loved each other for many years. We shall love each other for ever. She is the wife of my soul. Without her, I can only half live.” Then bending to Kate, he asked her fondly, “Do you love me, Kate? Do you love me? Ask your heart about it. Tell us truly, do you love me?”
Then she lifted her sweet eyes to her lover, her father, and her mother, and answered, “I love Piers with all my heart.”
The Squire was much troubled and affected. “This is taking a bit of advantage, Piers,” he said. “There is a time for everything, and this is not my time for giving my little girl away.”