As the clock struck half-past eight, Eliza ran up the steps and into the room, holding against her shoulder a branch of titi pearled with bloom. At sight of the extraordinary loveliness of the figure standing as if frozen, she burst into tears.
"My beautiful—my baby! What does all this mean? Your father has forced you to——"
"Hush, hush. My father was as much astonished as you are. I feared you could not come in time, and here is a note, in which I said all that I can tell you. Don't scold me, and don't cry; wait till I am gone."
She gave her the note and kissed her cheek, where tears were streaming.
"Oh, my baby, give me the positive assurance that this step is voluntary—that you love Mr. Herriott."
"Entirely voluntary. My supreme wish is to go with Mr. Herriott. He is the noblest man in all the world."
"Yes, but you have not just found that out; you have always known it. Now, do you love him? I am afraid you do not; and, my baby, marriage without loving a husband is——"
Eglah laid a hand over Eliza's lips.
"Father is coming for me. I want to wear some titi, because you brought it to me. Pin two clusters under the folds of lace here, just over your baby's heart. Now, kiss Eglah Kent good-bye, and leave me with father while you take off your hat and dry your eyes."
"My dear, are you ready?"