"That would come with practice and study, and, 'out of the fulness of the heart the mouth speaketh.' But come, we must not leave Mrs. Meredith so long alone on this your last night here."
So they went into the drawing-room and had a quietly pleasant evening.
When they left, they walked together down by the broad, talking of many things. It was bright moonlight, and the Swan lay still and distinct on the water. It was warm, being in the middle of summer, and it was not late; and as they stood looking at the boat which they had built, and which had served them so well, they saw Mary and Edith Rose, who was staying with her, coming towards them, and Mr. and Mrs. Merivale not far behind.
"Good night," said Jimmy, "I shall see you both in the morning;" and off he went.
"Poor Jimmy," said Frank, "he does not like both of us going away, and he to be left behind alone."
The two girls joined them, and Frank and Edith walked off together, and Dick and Mary did the same in another direction.
"Mary," said Dick, "Mr. Meredith said that I ought to do some work in the world."
"So you ought, Dick," she replied; "both Frank and Jimmy are going to be busy, and I did so hope you would do something too."
"I mean to do something," he replied, with a quiet smile, "but I shall not tell you what it is yet. But if I do something which will show that I am of some use in the world, and not a mere drone, will you marry me?"
It was not light enough to see if she blushed, but I am sure she did so very sweetly. What she said, very naively, was this:—