“Yes, but not to talk of it.”
“Well, I suppose Arthur has told you all there is to tell. If there is anything more that you want to know I shall be very glad to tell you.”
“Well, of course, I don't understand it at all,” burst out Mrs. Agar eagerly. This was quite true; neither she nor Arthur could understand how any one could refuse such a glorious offer as he had made.
“Perhaps I can explain. Arthur asked me to marry him. I quite appreciated the honour, but I declined it.”
“Yes, but why? Surely you didn't mean it?”
“I did mean it.”
“Well,” explained Mrs. Agar, with a little toss of the head, “I am sure I cannot see what more you want. There are many girls who would be glad to be mistress of Stagholme.”
And it must be remembered that she said this knowing quite well that Jem was probably alive. There are some crimes which women commit daily in the family circle which deserve a greater punishment than that meted out to a legal criminal.
“That is precisely what I ventured to point out to Arthur,” said Dora, unconsciously borrowing her father's ironical neatness of enunciation.
“But why shouldn't you take the opportunity? There are not many estates like it in England. Your position would be as good as that of a titled lady, and I am sure you could not want a better husband.”