“Within the month, I believe,” said Charlie, gravely.
“So soon!” said Graeme; and in a little she added, “Is it not sudden?”
“No—yes, I suppose so. They have been engaged, or something like it for some time; but the haste is because of Mr Elphinstone. He thinks he cannot die happy till he sees his daughter safe under the care of her husband. Just as if Allan would not be her friend all the same. It seems to me like madness.”
“And Lilias,” said Rose, almost in a whisper, “is she content?”
“On the whole, I suppose so. But this haste and her father being so ill, and all these horrid preparations are too much for her. She looks ill, and anything but cheerful.”
“We have not seen your brother for a long time,” said Will.
“I have scarcely seen him, either. He did not find matters much to his mind in C, I fear. Harry will have to keep his eyes open among those people.”
“How soon will Harry have to go?” asked Rose.
“The sooner the better, I suppose,” said Charlie, rising and walking about. “Oh! dear me. This is a miserable overturning that has come upon us—and everything seemed to be going on so smoothly.”
“Harry will not have to go before Arthur comes back, I hope,” said Rose.