What a fool he was! Before Cleve appeared she was fancy free; no one else in the field, and his opportunities unlimited. He had lapsed his time, and occasion had spread its wings and flown.
"What beautiful sunshine! What do you say to a walk on the Green?" said Tom to Charity, and listening for a word from Agnes. She raised her pretty eyes and looked out, but said nothing.
"Yes. I think it would be very nice; and there is no wind. What do you say, Agnes?"
"I don't know. I'm lazy to-day, I think, and I have this to finish," said Agnes.
"But you ought to take a walk, Agnes; it would do you good; and Thomas Sedley and I are going for a walk on the Green."
"Pray, do," pleaded Tom, timidly.
Agnes smiled and shook her head, looking out of the window, and, making no other answer, resumed her work.
"You are very obstinate," remarked Charity.
"Yes, and lazy, like the donkeys on the Green, where you are going; but you don't want me particularly—I mean you, Charrie—and Mr. Sedley, I know, will excuse me, for I really feel that it would tire me to-day. It would tire me to death," said Agnes, winding up with an emphasis.
"Well, I'll go and put on my things, and if you like to come you can come, and if you don't you can stay where you are. But I wish you would not be a fool. It is a beautiful day, and nothing on earth to prevent you."