He bowed his head, in token of assent.
“I have a favour to ask of you—Mr Selwood,” said Eve, holding out her trembling hand once more, but he did not take it.
“Yes?” he said, in a low constrained way.
“I want you to forgive Richard, and be friends.”
“Yes, yes; of course,” he said hastily.
“And you will marry us, Mr Selwood,” continued Eve.
“I? I?” he exclaimed, with a look of horror upon his face. “Oh, no, no: I could not.”
Eve looked at him in a strangely startled way, and for the moment her calmness seemed to have left her, when Mrs Glaire interposed.
“For both our sakes; pray do not say that,” she cried; and a curious look passed over the vicar’s face.
“Do you wish it, Miss Pelly?” he said softly.