Without meaning it, perhaps, his voice assumed a serious tone, almost amounting to sadness. He looked up, and his eyes and Dorothy's met; forcing an appearance of gaiety, he said, "What have you to say on the subject, Dorothy?"
"I never give an opinion on subjects I know nothing about. I am the only person in the room who cannot speak from experience. I should think your plan, however, must be the best."
"It is a pity you have not an opportunity of trying it, Miss, What's your name," said Mrs. Gilbert, "in which case you might perhaps find out that kindness can be thrown away."
"I expected to find Dorothy married when I came home," said Gilbert. "I thought it impossible that the young fellows in the neighbourhood could suffer her to remain single."
"She waited for you, Gilly, till she found it o' no use," cried Rushmere passing the bottle to his son.
"Oh that I had waited for her," was the thought that flashed through Gilbert's mind, charged with a deep regret.
"Father will have his joke," said Dorothy, colouring like a rose, "without thinking that it may be at the expense of another."
Mrs. Gilbert left off eating, and listened keenly to what was passing.
"Believe me, Gilbert, that there is no one present who congratulates you more sincerely on your marriage than I do."
"My dear child, will you help me up stairs?" said Mrs. Rushmere, apprehensive of mischief from her husband's blunt indiscretion and want of delicacy.