Mr Durrant was greatly amazed at this little scene, and Harriet, who was standing alone—for not one of the others wished to have anything to do with her—was a good deal puzzled and disturbed, and made up her mind to give it very soundly to Jane later on for her ridiculous conduct. Mr Durrant paused for a minute at the unexpected interruption caused by Ralph. Then he said, still in that cold, stern voice:
“Come back immediately, and stand by my side, Ralph. Robina Starling, being out of the question, you have got to choose another school-mother. Whom do you love best in this room? Think well, my boy, and don’t allow false ideas even of bravery and of unselfishness to blind your eyes to those still nobler qualities of truth and integrity. A few days ago, the contest seemed to me to rest entirely between Harriet Lane and Robina Starling. But now that Robina has withdrawn, you are at liberty to choose any girl here present. Make your choice freely, my son; choose without fear or compunction, the one who in all respects will help you to be good, to be true, to be honourable.”
“She saved my life twice,” murmured Ralph under his breath, and then he looked full at Harriet and came a step forward. “I don’t quite understand, father,” he said, “all that you said about being very true, and very, very good. But I do know when a girl nearly gets drownded herself to save a boy like me; and I therefore choose—” again he went a step forward.
But just at that moment there came an interruption. It came from Patience Chetwold.
“Before Ralph makes his choice, Mr Durrant, I think that Jane Bush has something to tell you.”
“Jane Bush!” exclaimed Harriet, too amazed at this interruption, just when she was about to reach the pinnacle of all her hopes, to keep silent.
“Never mind,” said Ralph, hotly, “I choose Harriet.” There was a look of disappointment in Harriet’s eyes which fired his very soul. “I think, after all—p’raps I love Robina; but I love Harriet next best—far next best; and she did save me, and I choose her. Yes, Harriet—I choose you.”
“Nevertheless,” said Patience, in a very steadfast voice, “it is absolutely necessary before Mr Durrant confirms your choice, Ralph, that he should hear something Jane Bush has to say. The fact is this, sir,” continued Patience. “Frederica and I and the three Amberleys have not felt at all satisfied for some weeks past at the conduct of Harriet Lane and Robina Starling. We have felt quite absolutely sure, sir, that there was something going on behind the scenes. We were more certain than ever of that when Robina, who loves Ralph so truly, gave up the contest with Harriet last evening.”
“Oh,” said Mr Durrant; “she told you last evening, did she?”
“She did, sir,” said Patience. “She came to us when we were walking in the grounds, and told us what her decision was. Afterwards she went and told Harriet.”