“Well, sir,” grinned Nathan, “propose for the hand of Miss Wilton, sir, if you prefer that arrangement of expression, and propose at once.”
Hal quickly did this in language fervid and eloquent; and if language could be a test of sincerity, there was little reason for Flora to doubt the truth of his love.
Mr. Wilton, in reply, gave with nervous excitement of manner his consent, leaving the ratification of his promise to his daughter.
“She will refuse, decline, raise an obstacle!” exclaimed Nathan, vigorously; “if it is only to keep up the unities of the cross-purposes we have all been playing at.”
“Oh, no, no, no!” cried Flora, hurriedly and loudly. At a burst of laughter from Mark and Nathan, she buried her blushing face in her hands.
Hal was suffered to remove them, and to press them to his lips.
“You accept him?” cried Gomer, chuckling. “Eh, Flora! that is the proper form of expression, is it not?”
“Oh, I am so happy—so very, very happy,” she murmured, looking fondly at Hal.
Then she suddenly ran up to her father and kissed him, as if with passionate gratitude. Presently she stole round to where Nathan Gomer sat, and bending over him timidly, pressed her lips to his forehead.
An expression of intense emotion passed over that strange man’s features, his eyes filled with glittering tears, and his lips moved rapidly.