“A certain gentleman, who made me the flattering proposal to become his wife and nurse, and who now offers to make George his chaplain.”
“It rains good luck here,” said Jack, with a half bitter smile. “Why won't it drift a little in my direction? By the way, Nelly, what about the letter I asked you to write to Marion?”
“It is written. I only want to fill in the name of the person. You told me to keep a blank for it.”
“I 'll go and fetch my pocket-book,” said he, and broke away at once, and hastened towards the house.
“I'm delighted at your good news, Julia,” said Nelly; “though it almost breaks my heart to think how desolate we shall soon be here.”
“Never anticipate evil fortune. We are still together; and let us not mar the present by glancing at a possible future.”
“And poor Jack,” began Nelly; but unable to finish, she turned away her head to hide the emotion she felt.
“He shall—he must stay,” cried Julia.
“You know the price, dearest,” said Nelly, throwing herself into her arms.
“Well, who says I am not ready to pay it? There, that 's enough of folly. Let us now think of something useful.”