"Oh, yes; she means to marry him, and the sooner the better now. I knew this was coming, but I did so hope it would not be while you were here. It makes me feel so ashamed of myself that you should see it."
Kate boldly knocked at her aunt's door, and her aunt received her with a conscious smile. "I was waiting for you to come," said Mrs. Greenow.
"Here I am, aunt; and, what is more to the purpose, there is Captain Bellfield in the drawing-room."
"Stupid man! I told him to take himself away about the place till dinner-time. I've half a mind to send him back to Shap at once;—upon my word I have."
"Don't do that, aunt; it would be inhospitable."
"But he is such an oaf. I hope you understand, my dear, that I couldn't help it?"
"But you do mean to—to marry him, aunt; don't you?"
"Well, Kate, I really think I do. Why shouldn't I? It's a lonely sort of life being by myself; and, upon my word, I don't think there's very much harm in him."
"I am not saying anything against him; only in that case you can't very well turn him out of the house."
"Could not I, though? I could in a minute; and, if you wish it, you shall see if I can't do it."