“Not to Lord Lamerton above all—not for heaven’s sake.”
“Least of all to him.”
“I should get into such trouble. Oh, my gracious!”
“Mother, dear,” the young fellow clasped her to his heart again—“how inexpressibly precious you are to me now, and how I grieve for you. I can say no more now.”
Then he went forth.
“Why, bless me!” exclaimed Mrs. Saltren. “He never was so affectionate before. Well, as far as human reason goes, it does seem as if all things were being brought to their best for me; for this day has given me my husband’s love and doubled that of my son.”
Giles Inglett Saltren walked hastily back to the park. On his way he encountered Samuel Ceely, who put forth his maimed hand, and crooked the remaining fingers in his overcoat, to arrest him, as he went by.
“What do you want with me?” asked Jingles impatiently.
“I should be so glad if you would put in a word for me,” pleaded the old man.
“I am engaged—I cannot wait.”