CHAPTER XXII.
THE GOVERNESS.
'Only a curate!' exclaimed Miss Gwynne, as she and Miss Hall were discussing Rowland's presumption the following morning.
'Still, a gentleman,' replied Miss Hall quietly.
'The son of one of my father's tenants; a farmer's son!'
'Still, a gentleman!'
'The ninety-ninth attempt on Glanyravon, and, happily, an unsuccessful one.'
'Perhaps the first sincere attempt to gain the heiress's heart, without any thought of her park and its broad acres.'
'I declare, Serena, vous m'impatientez. I verily believe you are in his interest and confidence, and trying to plead his cause.'
This was said with great excitement; the answer, however, was calm.