“But his letter afterwards—you say he was a gentleman?”
“Of course!” cried Catherine, indignant at the insinuation.
“Then it is most probable that he was in earnest. How absurd girls are! To risk the happiness of your whole life for a sentimental idea! Now what you must do, and at once, is to write to his sister, and enclose your address.”
“Aunt Cicely!” exclaimed Catherine angrily.
“Yes, why not?”
“Don’t you see that it would undo all that I have already accomplished? He would be sure to hear, and it would be like asking him to come to me!”
“And what of that? He would probably be only too glad. And remember that you are a better match now. If he cared for you when you were a little insignificant governess, without any connexions as far as he knew, he would care much more now you are my acknowledged heiress.”
“It is too bad to say that! He is not at all that kind of man. Why, Margaret told me that it was only her money that stood between him and Lord Mayne’s sister.”
Aunt Cicely smiled wisely. Catherine’s warmth was merely a further revelation of the state of her feelings. “At least, you must do as I wish in this matter. You must certainly write to Miss Gray,” she said decidedly.
“I cannot—I dare not—I will not!” returned the girl with equal emphasis.