CHAPTER XIII.
“Bright are his yellow locks and sparkling eyes,
And beaming features all, in the fair glow
Of youth.”
The letter being despatched, Lord Arandale and Edmund rejoined the ladies who were collecting in the drawing-room. Edmund looked into every recess of every window, and cast a glance over every group, but evidently saw not the object of his researches. He passed on to the greenhouse, and at length discovered Julia and Frances collecting some flowers. He went towards them, offering to assist them; for he had been so much engaged with Lady Susan and Lord Arandale during breakfast, that he had scarcely spoken to Julia that morning.
“How is it possible,” said Frances, laughing, “that amid your important arrangements, you can spare time for an occupation so trifling?”
“Our important arrangements, as you call them,” replied Edmund, smiling in his turn, “are all completed.”
“Indeed!” said Frances, “and papa and mamma’s consent obtained?”
“Why! what do you know about it, Frances?” asked Edmund, with some surprise, and colouring at the idea that his benevolent purpose should be thus made public.