‘You dear girl! Give me your hand, then, and jump out; there is a lovely seat under that acacia tree—but what will you say if your mother asks where you have been?’
‘That I have been strolling in the garden with my partner. She will think it was Captain Rawson; but she will not ask. She is used to my vagaries, and lets me do just as I choose.’
‘But, darling, they won’t let you do that any longer, I’m afraid. I’ve had a lecture as well as you, Jenny. Mr Hindes followed me to the picture gallery just now, by your father’s request, and made me promise I would give up all pretensions to your hand, and leave off visiting at your house.’
‘And do you mean to keep your promise?’ inquired the girl, pouting.
‘Not unless you tell me to do so, Jenny; I love you too much for that. I only did it to prevent a row, for if Mr Crampton carried his threat of taking you away from Hampstead into execution, I might find it very difficult to have any communication with you again.’
‘But what is the good of my staying here if I am never to see you, Fred?’ asked Jenny.
‘That depends upon yourself, my darling; you can’t do it from your father’s house, that’s certain.’
‘Who’s from, then?’ said Jenny.
‘From mine, sweetheart! Don’t think me very bold, but, if you love me as you say, you will marry me whether your parents give their consent or not.’
‘So I will, if you will only tell me how, Fred.’