"Of course. It is mine or yours. No one else's. We have something that is ours, in which no other person has any business to interfere. I shall think of that with satisfaction."
"A simple letter, Mr. Paget."
"A simple letter," he said, very gravely, "in which the happiness of an honest gentleman's life is enclosed. There! Do not tremble. I am not going to say anything more serious just now, but said it must be soon, Emilia, and then I shall know what the future will be for me. And even if I were dumb and that letter was never recovered, another can be written which shall reach its destination. Why do you stop? Oh, yes, you wish me to say good-by here. Well, good-by, Emilia!"
"Good-by, Mr. Paget."
"Will you not call me Gerald? Such a little word, Emilia!"
She fled; but not before she had given him a sweet and timid look which caused his heart to throb with hope, as it was already throbbing with love.
[CHAPTER XXIV.]
SLANDER.
Later in the day Mrs. Seaton was informed that a gentleman was waiting to see her. Entering the room she saw Gerald Paget. She received him as usual with a frown, of which he took no notice. By this time he was hardened to the coldness of her receptions of him. Besides, he had prepared himself for the interview, and knew pretty well what he intended to say to her.
"I thought, Mr. Paget," she said, "that I had made you understand it is not my wish to encourage your visits to any of my servants."