“I ought to lose no time in telling you what has occurred,” she said, trying to maintain her calmness. “Mr Castleton has asked me to marry him.”
“My dear!” exclaimed the two Miss Pembertons, in different keys, Miss Jane fixing her eyes on Harry.
“What have you said in reply?” asked Miss Mary.
“Do you suppose that I could refuse him.”
“I see, my dear, that you have not,” observed Miss Jane, “judging from his countenance. We love you both, and I am sure no two young people could be better suited to each other. But when we invited Harry here we did not dream of such a result. Have you both considered well the consequences.”
Yes, Harry declared that he had thought them over seriously.
“At all events, cousin Jane,” he exclaimed, jumping up and taking her hand, “you and cousin Mary will not object to my continuing to come here.”
“You know we ought to do so should your father and mother not approve of your intentions.”
Harry replied that now his mother and sister had seen May, they could not fail to love her.
“Of that I have no doubt,” whispered Miss Mary, pressing May’s hand.