“Oh, no,” replied Victoria, blushing as she felt Andrew’s piercing eyes bent upon her. “It only happened this morning, and it seems not to have met with the approval of all concerned.”
“I am delighted,” said Andrew, rising and taking Victoria’s hand. “Roger is to be congratulated, and so are we all for gaining such an acquisition to our family.”
Mary rose and went over to Lady Vale. “I am sure you will withdraw your decision of so soon returning home, dear Augusta, now that you see how united we may all become.”
“I shall sail on Wednesday, and Victoria will accompany me,” replied Lady Vale with more haughtiness in her manner than the gentle Mary had ever witnessed.
Roger arose and, led by Victoria, left the room. They sought their favorite seat near the lake. “Well, my darling,” said Roger sadly, “your mother will prevail I suppose, and carry you away from me.”
“Never!” interrupted Victoria. “I’m not a baby in swaddling clothes.”
“But you are under age, pet. Your mother will influence that man, who is your guardian, to be nasty toward us, and who knows what may happen after we are separated. I am very much afraid we shall never meet again. It is not as if I had my eyes, sweet one. Once I would have defied them to have taken you away.”
“Do you care if I lose my estates, Roger? Would you take me poor as a church mouse?”
“Do I care if you are poor? Why, my darling, I can’t begin to use the money I have now, what would I do with more?”
“Then I’ll marry you to-morrow.”