He had had time to grow more familiar with the idea, and spoke readily and frankly. ‘Indeed, Miss Charlecote, I need no inducement. It is the life I should prefer beyond all others, and I can only hope to do my duty by you, and whatever you may think fit to intrust to me.’ And, almost against her will, the straightforward honesty of his look brought back to her the countenance where she had always sought for help.
‘Then your past misfortunes have not given you a distaste to farming?’
‘They did not come from farming, but speculation. I was brought up to farm work, and am more at home in it than in anything else, so that I hope I could be useful to you.’
She was silent. Oh, no; she had not the satisfaction of being displeased. He was ready enough, but not grasping; and she found herself seeing more of the Charlecote in him, and liking him better than she was ready to grant.
‘Miss Charlecote,’ he said after a few moments’ thought, ‘in the relations you are establishing between us, it is right that you should know the full extent of the benefits you are conferring.’
It was true, then? Well, it was better than a New World lady, and Honora contrived to look pleasantly expectant.
‘I know it was very presumptuous,’ he said; ‘but I could not help making my feelings known to one who is very dear to you—Miss Fulmort.’
‘Indeed she is,’ said Honor; though maybe poor Phœbe had of late been a shade less dear to her.
‘And with your consent,’ said be, perhaps a little disconcerted by her want of warmth, ‘I hope this kindness of yours may abridge the term of waiting to which we looked forward.’
‘What were you waiting for?’