"Very sure," answered Marion, not daring to raise her eyes, and blushing crimson as he for the first time called her by name.
He bent lower still, and was about to lay his hand upon her arm, when Rachel rushed through the parlor-window, exclaiming, "Uncle Robert, Marion can't marry Mr. Thornton, if she wants to ever so much, and I want my diamond ring!"
"The six months are past," replied her uncle.
"I don't think that's fair, do you, Marion?" But Marion had slipped away, and was nowhere to be seen.
A few evenings later the three were sitting on the piazza, enjoying their last night at the mountains. Mr. and Mrs. Berkley had retired early, so as to feel bright and fresh for their homeward journey the next day, but the rest had declared their intention of sitting up to watch the moon, as it went slowly down behind the distant hills.
"Rachel," said Dr. Drayton, as he threw away his cigar, "how should you like to go to Europe next spring?"
"Like it!" exclaimed Rachel, clasping her hands with delight. "I should be perfectly happy!"
"Well, I thought so," replied her uncle, "and I am going to take you."
"O Uncle Robert! you are too good! Marion, isn't that splendid?"
But before Marion could answer, Dr. Drayton went on, as if he had not heard Rachel's remark. "Of course, it will not do for you to go travelling over Europe with only me."