Bertie murmured a profusion of thanks, and, distrustful of Miss Opie, protested against being so troublesome. But Bluebell, scarce able to believe in such luck, sprang up with a sudden illumination of countenance, and the next minute the lovers were alone under the light of the moon.
"Bluebell," said Du Meresq, "I have got a sleigh here. I thought I might get you out of it if I pretended I was walking, and didn't know the way; but the fact is, my child, I can hardly limp a hundred yards. Come a little drive with me."
"Oh! I dare not. It is so late, and they expect me back again directly."
"Then you are going to run away the first moment we have been alone for so long!"
"Whose fault is that," said she, reproachfully.
"Not mine. I have been laid up ten days with a broken ankle. But I suppose you have been seeing Jack Vavasour every day, and forgotten all about me?"
"Bertie," said Bluebell, hesitatingly, "did they say anything to you about—"
"About Jack? Yes, they said he was spoons on you. And also, Miss Bluebell, that you were awfully in love with him."
"No, no, nonsense," said she, blushing. "I meant about yourself."
"They know nothing of that?" said he, inquiringly.