“We! Mistress Betty? The cost will be severe without you!”
“Nay, sir, I cannot rest without going too; you might be taken ill.”
“You cannot trust a couple of old campaigners like Palmer and me? What did we do without you?”
“Got lamed for life,” said Betty, saucily. “No, I go on a pillion behind Palmer, and my grandfather’s diamond ring shall pay expenses.”
“Sir Archibald’s ring that he put on two baby fingers of yours when he went off to Scotland.”
“Better part with that then resign my Aurelia in the dark, uncertain whether it be for her good.”
CHAPTER XVIII. THE PROPOSAL.
Love sweetest lies concealed in night.—T. MOORE.
The Major rode up to the Great House to announce that he would only give his answer after having conferred with both his daughter and the suitor.