Atherton could scarcely find words to express his thanks.
"Say no more," cried the doctor, grasping his hand warmly. "I shall be amply rewarded if I am successful."
"You have not said anything about it, papa," interposed Beppy. "But I hope you mean to take me with you to London. I must form one of the party."
"You would only be in the way," observed the doctor.
"Nothing of the sort. I should be of the greatest use, as you will find. You are the best and most good-natured papa in the world, and never refuse your daughter anything," she added, in a coaxing tone, which the doctor could not resist.
"I ought not to consent, but I suppose I must," he said.
"Yes, yes—it's quite settled," cried Beppy, with a glance of satisfaction at Atherton.
"Where are we to meet in London?" inquired the young man. "Possibly I may not see you again till I arrive there."
"You will hear of me at the St. James's Hotel, in Jermyn Street," replied the doctor. "And now I think we ought to start," he added to his daughter, "since we have to go to Rawcliffe Hall."
"But you have not taken leave of Dr. Deacon," cried Beppy.