He knew not its full significance, nor the nature of the promise appealed for.
But the éclaircissement was near, and this gave him a still greater gratification.
“Indeed,” said Scudamore, reproachfully, “I know why you won’t promise me. Yes, I know it.”
“What do you know, Frank?”
“Only, what everybody can see: that you’ve taken a liking to this Captain Maynard, who’s old enough to be your father, or grandfather! Ah! and if your father finds it out—well, I shan’t say what—”
“And if it were so,” daringly retorted the daughter of the baronet, “who could blame me? You forget that the gentleman saved my life! I’m sure I’d have been drowned but for his noble behaviour. Courageous, too. You should have seen the big waves wanting to swallow me. And there wasn’t any one else to run the risk of stretching forth a hand to me! He did save my life. Is it any wonder I should feel grateful to him?”
“You’re more than grateful, Blanche! You’re in love with him!”
“In love with him! Ha! ha! ha! What do you mean by that, cousin?”
“Oh! you needn’t make light of it. You know well enough!”
“I know that you’re very disagreeable, Frank; you’ve been so all the morning.”