“What has brought you home to-night, Daisie? I thought you meant to stay several days?” she exclaimed, glowering at the girl’s companion.
“I will tell you all presently, Aunt Alice,” the girl said, over her shoulder, then gave him her hand.
“Good night, Dallas. I shall expect you to-morrow,” she said; and, in spite of the old woman’s angry looks, he kissed the little hand, and his dark eyes beamed on her in the moonlight with the love that thrilled his heart.
She stood and watched him out of sight—her handsome lover—then went into the house with her aunt, and poured out the story of all that had happened at Sea View.
The old woman was simply overjoyed, and did not hesitate to say so.
“So you are Mrs. Royall Sherwood—a rich man’s bride! I congratulate you, Daisie!” she exclaimed eagerly.
“But I tell you I hate him, aunt, and I will get the law to free me!”
“You will not be so foolish, Daisie Bell. You, a poor school-teacher, an orphan girl forced to earn her living in that wretched city where the lives of so many young girls are worn out in the struggle for bread! Oh, Daisie, do not be so foolish as to throw away this splendid chance! And you so beautiful, my dear—so fitted to take your place in the finest society!”
“Auntie, you forget that I have another lover—handsomer, nobler than Royall Sherwood. As soon as I am free I shall marry him.”
“Never, never, with my consent! I have heard all about him from Mr. Sherwood, and he is no match for you. No one knows aught about him. He is poor, of course, and some dreadful disgrace may possibly be attached to him. You must give him up now, and my advice to you is to make up your quarrel with Royall, and be thankful to get him.”