"For answer I but courtesied, with a great gladness at my heart.
"'The time may come when thou wilt beg me to wed thee.'
"I laughed.
"'Till that time comes I will never speak of marriage more,' he said. Then with one devouring glance, he bowed low and left the house, and Sheriff Ellyson told me to-day that he saw him with three men making down the river in a pinnace. Pray Heaven, he is gone forever!"
"Ay, pray Heaven; but keep thy wits at work none the less, and never believe that an Ingle means what he says. They say only what they wish thee to believe; and as for Ralph Ingle giving thee up, he has about as much intention on't as my gray cat, that withdraws into the dark and lets her victim mouse play about till she's ready for the spring."
"Cousin, thou art suspicious."
"Say rather, watchful."
"'Tis all one."
"Nay. If thou art watchful, thou mayst find there is no cause for suspicion."
Elinor sat looking at the woman opposite her. Dead silence fell between them, till at last, with a cry, Elinor threw herself on her knees at her cousin's side.