She smiled very graciously, if not every affectionately, and gave him her hand, which he raised to his lips.
Her beautiful features underwent a slight change at that moment, and the expression startled Captain Danvers so much that he almost repented the step he had taken; but it was now too late to retreat.
“Though our engagement will be secret, you can come to Ouselcroft whenever you please,” she said. “Only remember there must be no renewal——”
“Fear nothing,” he replied. “There shall be no more of that.”
They then returned to the house, and on the way thither met Emmeline and Chetwynd. The former smiled on seeing her cousin and Mrs. Calverley together, but made no remark.
Later on, however, when an opportunity offered, she said to Captain Danvers, “All is settled, I perceive, between you and the rich widow.”
“What makes you think so?” he asked.
“Both of you look as if you already repented,” she replied. “But I hope you may be happy.”
Captain Danvers rode back with them to Ouselcroft; but he did not stay, nor did he see Mildred.
However, he agreed to return in a few days.