"Don't say anything more. That is settled," said he, taking up his cap, as if in preparation for departure. Dolly was a little bewildered by the quiet, decided manner, just like what she remembered of Mr. Shubrick; unobtrusive and undemonstrative, but if he moved, moving straight to his goal. She rose as he rose.
"But," she stammered, "I don't think you can. Father likes nobody but mother and me about him."
"He will like me to-morrow," Mr. Shubrick answered with a smile. "Don't fear; I will manage that."
"You are very kind!" said Dolly. "You are very kind!"—Already her heart was leaping towards this offered help, and Mr. Shubrick looked so resolute and strong and ready; she could hardly oppose him. "But you are too kind!" she said suddenly.
"No," said he gravely; "that is impossible. Remember, in the family we belong to, the rule is one which we can never reach. 'That ye love one another, even as I have loved you.'"
What it was, I do not know, in these words which overcame Dolly. In the words and the manner together. She was very tired and overstrung, and they found some unguarded spot and reached the strained nerves. Dolly put both hands to her face and burst into tears, and for a moment was terribly afraid that she was going to be hysterical. But that was not Dolly's way at all, and she made resolute fight against her nerves. Meanwhile, she felt herself taken hold of and placed in a chair by the window; and the sense that somebody was watching her and waiting, helped the return of self-control. With a sort of childish sob, Dolly presently took down her hands and looked up through the glistening tears at the young man standing over her.
"There!" she said, forcing a smile on the lips that quivered,—"I am all right now. I do not know how I could be so foolish."
"I know," said Mr. Shubrick. "Then I will just return to the village for half and hour, and be back here as soon as possible."
"But"—said Dolly doubtfully. "Why don't you send for what you want?"
"Difficult," said the other. "I am going to get some supper."