“He says that Herbert has consumption and must spend the winter abroad.”
“I’m very sorry; but is that possible?”
“Only if I take him.”
“My dear, how can you?” cried Miss Ley, astonished.
Bella hesitated and blushed.
“I’m going to ask him to marry me. It’s no good now to counterfeit modesty and all the rest of it. It’s the only way I can save his life, and after all, I love him better than anyone else in the world. When I told you a month ago that it was impossible I should care for a boy almost young enough to be my son, I lied. I fought against it then as something shameful and ridiculous, but I’ve loved him from the very first day I saw him.”
Bella’s vehement seriousness alone prevented Miss Ley from indulging in her usual irony. She carefully repressed the smile which struggled to gain possession of her lips.
“Your father will never consent, my dear,” she said gravely.
“I hope he will when I explain the circumstances. I’m afraid he’ll be dreadfully distressed, but if he refuses I shall remember that I’m a grown woman, capable of judging for myself.”
“I don’t know what he’ll do without you. He’s entirely dependent on you for all his comfort and all his happiness.”