These, however, were quietly got rid of by their hostess, who at the same time directed the servants to bring restoratives, and soon Emma was able to sit up. She remained so pale and shaken, however, that Mrs. Stephenson begged her to remain all night; but this was steadily opposed by Elizabeth, who was anxious to bring her back with her, and as Emma herself joined in begging to return, the carriage was sent for.
At this moment Henry, who had just heard of Emma's indisposition, came hurrying up, and assisted in conveying her home.
On the following morning Mr. Howard rode over to Wickstead, and, meeting Emma in the shrubbery, declared his passion.
She could not speak, but she laid her trembling hands in his.
CHAPTER XIX
The engagement created not a little stir, and many and various were the comments.
Mr. Curtis composed a pretty speech, for the edification of his patients, to the effect that had he been some forty years younger, when he had had the honour of meeting with Miss Emma, his bachelorhood would have been seriously imperilled.
It is said that when this was reported to Mr. Howard, he vowed he would have imperilled it still further for him.