But this was more than Charley could bear.
He quietly advanced, knocked Fumbleton aside, and kissed her himself!
Clara’s surprise was great!
She gave a little scream, rose from the music-stool, and embraced Charles unreservedly.
Fumbleton, Esq., perceived at a glance that he was not at all wanted, and considerably “out of place.”
Like a wise youth, he vacated the apartment very expeditiously, and was never seen here more!
It was some moments ere Miss Clara was released from the strong arms of Mr. Charles, and even then he seemed much loth to part with the mass of curls which had nestled so affectionately and confidingly around his neck.
But her little scream had been heard by Mistress Haylark, who, in maternal anxiety for her fair, accomplished, and only child, quickly arrived upon the scene, puffing and blowing, and, discovering the true state of things, gave a second edition of her daughter’s little scream, and sank upon the capacious sofa completely exhausted with her efforts.
Dame Worthington, hearing the rumpus, came into the room.
She looked at the youth for one moment, and would have fainted, but Charley supported her.