till now. In three days more—only three—my little Annot—my golden-haired darling, I shall have to leave you for Earlshaugh; and, till you join me there, what will life be without you?'
He drew her close to him, and poor Hester shivered; but flight was impossible.
'And what will life at Merlwood be to me?' replied, or rather asked, Annot, in that caressing and cooing tone which she well knew was one of her chief attractions.
'But Earlshaugh in time will be your home, Annot—yours, to make what alterations you choose on the quaint old place. You shall reign there—the fairest and dearest bride that ever came within its walls.'
'Do not talk thus, Roland!'
'Why?'
'It makes me feel as if I were selling myself.'
'Annot!' he expostulated; and she answered with that low, cooing laugh of hers which was such a wonderful performance.
'Now, tell me,' said she; 'were you ever in love before?'
'Why that question, Annot?'