'Lord Earnestlypoor!' announced Amelia, in one single word, as she advanced on them from the house, with the gentleman following. 'He asked for Mr. Harewood.'
Up they sprung, holding out their hands.
'I thought I might walk over for my answer,' he said, with a sense of interrupting something.
William gave a conscious laugh. 'I'm afraid I've not been up to Penbeacon yet.'
'I think,' said Robina, rallying her powers, 'we had better make our avowal at once. Lord Ernest, we want your congratulations. We have been engaged this long time, and my eldest brother has just given us leave to make it known.'
Good breeding and self-command might perhaps be what prevented all sign of aught but frank friendliness. 'Indeed! I wish you joy with all my heart. Does Grace know?'
'I am going to write to Grace.'
'She will be very unselfish if she rejoices.'
'I don't think it will make any difference for some time to come,' said Robina.
'You see,' said Will, 'we neither of us have anything; and she will have it that she is so happy among your sisters, that it is no hardship to go on as she is.'