"But," he said at last, as Miss Garland paused for breath, "your uncle would never forgive me. He'd never let me come near the house again."
"Aunt will see to that," said the girl, confidently. "But, of course, if you don't wish to please me—"
She turned away, and Mr. Sharp, plucking up spirit, ventured to take her hand and squeeze it. A faint, a very faint, squeeze in return decided him.
"It will come all right afterwards," said Miss Garland, "especially with the hold it will give aunt over him."
"I hope so," said the young man. "If not, I shall be far—farther off than ever."
Miss Garland blushed and, turning her head, gazed steadily at the river.
"Trust me," she said at last. "Me and auntie."
Mr. Sharp said that so long as he pleased her nothing else mattered, and, in the seventh heaven of delight, paced slowly along the towpath by her side.