“Emmeline,” said Chetwynd, “I had resolved not to ask you to fulfil your promise to me till I had gone through a year's probation; nor should I have done so had I not been placed by circumstances in a totally different position from what I was at that time. If you have confidence in my reformation—if you think I have proved myself worthy of you—if you can trust me—I will beg you to abridge my term, and give yourself to me now. But if you have any doubt remaining—if you deem it better to wait till the appointed time—I pray you to do so! Your happiness is my chief concern; and, however irksome the delay may be, I shall not complain!”
“I have entire faith in you, dear Chetwynd,” she replied, in a voice of much emotion. “In every respect you have proved yourself worthy of my love, and I am prepared to give you my hand whenever you claim it.”
“I claim it at once,” he said, eagerly. “And as there is now no obstacle—for Lady Thicknesse tells me your mother has given her consent—I pray that our union may take place on the same day as the marriage of her ladyship with Sir Bridgnorth.”
“Be it so,” said Emmeline; “and I hope another marriage will take place at the same time.”
Just then, the voice of Captain Danvers was heard at a little distance, and he called out:
“Don't let me interrupt you; but Mildred won't fix the day till she is satisfied you are agreed.”
“Then tell her we are agreed,” replied Emmeline. “Will this day week suit?”
“It will suit her perfectly,” replied the captain.
“You answer for me!” said Mildred, laughing; “but, though you speak without authority, it is really the day I should choose.”
“I felt certain of it, or I should not have ventured to say so,” observed the captain. “But, since all private arrangements are made, and we are to be wedded at the same time, won't it be more convenient to talk matters over together?”