“On the whole, I think that shopping is not my forte, and that my presence would not be essential.”
He turned, however, and walked with her some distance, as far as the farthest shop in the town. They talked gayly and pleasantly about the fête. “You will not forget the music,” said he, on parting. “Will you come next Monday? If you don’t, I won’t be responsible for the consequences.”
“Do you mean to say, Sir, that you expect me to come alone?”
“I did not hope for any thing else.”
“Why, of course, you must call for me. If you do not I won’t go.”
Despard’s eyes brightened.
“Oh, then, since you allow me so sweet a privilege, I will go and accompany you.”
“If you fail me I will stay at home,” said she, laughingly.
He did not fail her, but at the appointed time went up to the Grange. Some strangers were there, and Mrs. Thornton gave him a look of deep disappointment. The strangers were evidently going to spend the day, so Despard, after a short call, withdrew. Before he left, Mrs. Thornton absented herself on some pretext for a few moments, and as he quitted the room she went to the door with him and gave him a note.
He walked straight home, holding the note in his hands till he reached his study; then he locked himself in, opened the note, and read as follows: