"To be sure I do," said Fox.
"Then, of course, I said nothing to him about reinstating Anthony, except in his old place in my father's heart. I believe that he will, himself, be glad to forgive the past. He cannot have cast out all the old love for, and pride in Anthony."
"And he has promised that?"
"He has promised to try and forgive him. And now, Fox—I mean Tony Crymes—you are ready to take me, knowing that I do not love you, and can only try to render you that love which will be due from a wife to a husband?"
"Oh, yes! I take you as you are."
Of course he would. It was indifferent to him whether Elizabeth loved him or not, so long as his ambition and greed were satisfied.
"You see, Bess, I have a sharp tongue, and have made many enemies with it, who say in return sharp things of me, but with this difference—I say these things to their faces, they malign me behind my back. When we are married you will know me better, and not believe all you hear said of me."
Bessie slightly shook her head, and stooped again over her carnations.
"There is one thing further," she said; "you must help me to persuade my father to be completely reconciled to Anthony."
"To be sure I will," answered Fox. "You want to see how good a fellow I am, in spite of all that is said of me. Here, take my hand, in token that I will do all you ask of me."