“Well, well! let it be a court of love at least,” said Lady Cecilia. “What a pretty proverb that was, Helen, that we met with the other day in that book of old English proverbs—‘Love rules his kingdom without a sword.’”
“Very likely; but to the point,” said Miss Clarendon, “when do you expect Mr. Beauclerc?”
“To-morrow.”
“Then I shall go to-morrow!”
“My dear Esther, why?”
“You know why; you know what reports have been spread; it suits neither my character nor my brother’s to give any foundation for such reports. Let me ring the bell and I will give my own orders.”
“My dear Esther, but your brother will be so vexed—so surprised.”
“My brother is the best judge of his own conduct, he will do what he pleases, or what you please. I am the judge of mine, and certainly shall do what I think right.”
She rang accordingly, and ordered that her carriage should be at the door at six o’clock in the morning.
“Nay, my dear Esther,” persisted Cecilia, “I wish you would not decide so suddenly; we were so glad to have you come to us—”