'You must say try—you must, my dear Maud.'
'But how can I decide in a moment? Oh, dear Cousin Monica, I am so distracted!'
'But you need not decide at all; the decision rests with him. Come; he is more competent than you. You must say yes.'
Again I looked from her to Doctor Bryerly, and from him to her again. I threw my arms about her neck, and hugging her closely to me, I cried—
'Oh, Cousin Monica, dear Cousin Monica, advise me. I am a wretched creature. You must advise me.'
I did not know till now how irresolute a character was mine.
I knew somehow by the tone of her voice that she was smiling as she answered—
'Why, dear, I have advised you; I do advise you;' and then she added, impetuously, 'I entreat and implore, if you really think I love you, that you will follow my advice. It is your duty to leave your uncle Silas, whom you believe to be more competent than you are, to decide, after full conference with Doctor Bryerly, who knows more of your poor father's views and intentions in making that appointment than either you or I.'
'Shall I say, yes?' I cried, drawing her close, and kissing her helplessly. 'Oh, tell me—tell me to say, yes.'
'Yes, of course, yes. She agrees, Doctor Bryerly, to your kind proposal.'