“You shall learn all in good time,” cried he, putting her arm in his, and strolling along the narrow footway.
“You see, Nell, it’s time, I’m thinking, that I should be plain spoken. I find, my lass, that I care a deal more for you than I first imagined. You see, I don’t know how much longer I shall remain in this village—not long, I expect. The fact is, I’ve grown so fond of you that I don’t like to leave—nay, more, I don’t intend to leave until you give me an answer one way or the other.”
“An answer—what about?”
“What do you suppose it’s about? Can’t you guess?”
“No.”
“Well, I’m sorry for you. Don’t I tell you that I’m attached to you—that I love you?”
He drew her towards him, and covered her lips and face with burning and passionate kisses.
She was surprised and annoyed, made as much resistance as possible, and pushed him from her.
“What possesses the man,” she cried, “to be mawling a gal in this fashion? If I’d ha’ known of this, I wouldn’t ha’ come.”
“Now, Nell,” cried her companion, “why do you seek to tantalise me? You must know by this time my feelings with regard to yourself. Listen to me for a few moments. You know I’ve been doing a good stroke of business; I am greatly respected by all who know me. In addition to this I have been patronised and made much of by the Master of Broxbridge——”