There was a start from Cecil, a little shriek from Violet, and Amber continued:
“Washington is but an hour’s ride from here, and you could marry Violet there, you know, in defiance of the whole world. I can plan the elopement for you if you will trust to my judgment. In fact, I have been thinking it over some time, for I knew it was the only way to save Violet from Judge Camden’s fury.”
Cecil looked at Violet with dark, eager eyes.
“Would you be willing, my darling?” he breathed, tenderly.
Sweet Violet shrank and trembled.
“Oh, I had hoped never to be forced to this!” she murmured. “You know, Amber, how my poor mother brought reproach upon herself by her runaway marriage with my father.”
“Yes, I have heard all about it, and I never blamed poor Marie Camden in the least. Her father almost forced her to it, just as he is now forcing you, Violet,” replied Amber, instantly.
Cecil took his little love’s hand in his and pressed it warmly, as he murmured:
“I have but a poor home to offer you, my darling, in exchange for all the luxury of Golden Willows; but if you will come to me, I will love you more than life.”
“Like the Lord of Burleigh,” laughed Amber, repeating: