They had known one another as children in their little home town, and later, as the feud developed and gained strength, the young people had been sent away to schools. Later, the war took Richard from home, and only very recently had propinquity brought about the interest that soon ripened to love. And a deeper, more lasting love than is often found between two young hearts. Both took it very seriously, and each thoroughly realized the tragedy of the attitude of their respective guardians.
“Good gracious, Richard, I shall go straight home and tell your aunt!”
This speech was from the stern-faced woman who paused in front of the pair on the bench.
“Good gracious, Eliza, go straight ahead and do so!”
Bates’ eyes shot fire and his face flushed with anger.
Eliza Gurney was his aunt’s companion, indeed, her tame cat, her chattel, and partly from charity, partly because of need of her services, Miss Prall kept Eliza with her constantly.
Of a fawning, parasitic nature, the companion made the best of her opportunities, and, without being an avowed spy, she kept watch on Richard’s movements as far as she conveniently could. And in this instance, suspecting his intent, she had followed the young couple at a discreet distance, and now faced them with an accusing eye.
“No, don’t,” pleaded Dorcas, as Miss Gurney turned to follow up Richard’s suggestion. “Oh, dear Miss Gurney, help us, won’t you? We’re in such a hopeless tangle. You were young once, and——”
Dorrie could scarcely have chosen a worse argument,—for that her youth had slipped away from her, was Miss Gurney’s worst fear.
“I am forbidden to speak to this girl, Richard,” Miss Gurney said, with pursed lips and heightened color. She addressed herself carefully to Bates and ignored the presence of Dorcas. “You are, too, as you well know, and though you have so far forgotten yourself as to disobey your aunt, I’ve no intention of committing a like sin.”