‘No; not seriously ill, but considerably bothered,’ he responded uncomfortably.
‘Of course you must have been; but thank goodness it is all over now. The Squire and all the others are most anxious to make amends to you for the vexation you have endured so nobly. He wants you to stay, and has sent me to persuade you not to say no.’
‘Stay!—It is impossible—quite impossible.’
‘Oh, but you really must not bear malice—they made a mistake, and everybody does so sometimes.’ She was smiling coaxingly, and looked a different being from the lady who had surveyed him through her glasses so severely yesterday.
‘I respect the family as much as ever; but I cannot remain.’
‘Oh, do—to please me.’
He looked at her and fancied he saw a blush. ‘To please you, I would stay for ever,’ he answered gallantly; ‘but’——
‘Then stay—for ever!’ she interrupted with emphasis.
He opened his eyes. Did he understand her? Could she be serious? Had the time come for him to speak?
‘Do you mean that it would be a particular pleasure to you if I remained—for your sake?’