"The next fortnight will be awfully blank," he exclaimed, when they were out of earshot. "By that time I trust all difficulties will be surmounted, and I shall be able to start with your father for Lausanne; then I trust there will only be peace and love for you both in the future."
"Would to God this terrible interval were over!" said Elsie, with a quivering sigh.
"I intend to insist on your father's staying with me in my chambers until he is free to join you! Trust him to me, dearest," replied Glynn.
"How good you are! How can I ever thank you enough?" cried Elsie, and carried away by tenderness and gratitude her arms stole round his neck, and she kissed him repeatedly in all the simple sincerity of unhesitating affection.
Soon after, as it was growing late, Lambert proposed returning to his lodgings. He had said good-bye to Lady Gethin, and tenderly embraced Elsie. He had even gone half-way down-stairs when he suddenly paused, and turning back exclaimed, "I must take one more look at her," and ascending to the drawing-room, took her hand in both his own. Gazing intently into her face, he said softly, "My own jewel! Have I made you happy? Will you pardon me any wrong I may have done you?"
"Wrong!—you have done me nothing but good. No father ever made a daughter happier than you have made me."
"Then give me a loving thought now and again. God bless you, my darling. Good-bye, good-bye."
"Only for a little while, dearest, best!" she exclaimed. "Be careful, and come to me soon!"
Lambert made no reply. He hurried into the cab which waited below, and accompanied by Glynn returned to his lodgings in safety.