“So this is my rich suitor—old Bennett!” she burst out, laughing, for she could not regard it seriously at all, not realizing Wizard Hermann’s grim determination.
“Why do you call him old? He is only about fifty or so, and a fine, handsome man!” complained the tearful governess.
She could hardly understand why the volatile Leola burst into spasms of the merriest laughter, in which Ray Chester could not help joining. Alas, they were so gay and happy, they were full of joy and laughter, little dreaming of the tragic moment near at hand when tears would come more readily than smiles, and the dull ache at the heart would be like a piercing thorn.
“If I were you, Leola, I would not feel so gay, for your guardian swears he will enforce his authority and have you marry Mr. Bennett, willy-nilly!” reproved Miss Tuttle, anxiously.
The girl looked gayly at her lover, and he caught her little hand in his, saying, tenderly:
“We aren’t afraid of him, are we, my precious Leola? And if the worst comes to the worst, we will elope to Washington and get married before old Bennett knows what we are up to.”
“If you were only rich there needn’t be any trouble. You could pay off the mortgage for Mr. Hermann, and then he would be willing enough for you to have Leola!” suggested Miss Tuttle, inquiringly.
Ray’s dark blue eyes looked questioningly into those of his bonny sweetheart.
“Are you sorry I’m not rich? Would you rather have your old suitor?” he asked, gently.
“Nonsense; I’d take you without a coat to your back before I would have that old Falstaff, with all his money,” she answered, laughingly, and they dismissed the thought of danger, for how could anyone force a girl to marry against her will?