“Miss Ethel,” said he, “I surrender unconditionally. No, I’ll not say that—it is with this condition; if you are sure that you want me, let me know; but I fancy your time will be entirely taken up during the stay of your English friend.”
As Hugh rode thoughtfully homeward, he saw a carriage coming toward him. It was Mrs. Osborn driving over to the Grove. At her salutation he dismounted and stood beside the carriage.
“Did you meet Doctor Avondale?” she asked, with an air of triumph playing about her pretty face.
“I had that honor,” replied Hugh.
Then followed some light conversation, in which Mrs. Osborn tried to be most captivating in her quick repartee.
“Are you sure, quite sure, you do not want to ask me a single question?” she interrogated.
“Well, I should like to know how long the Englishman is going to remain?” said Hugh, hesitatingly.
Mrs. Osborn broke into a silvery laugh, as she replied, “What difference can it make to you? Your regard for Miss Ethel is only of a platonic nature, don’t you know?”
“That is very true,” replied Hugh, “I have not changed my mind a particle; nevertheless, a platonic regard may be strong enough to cause one to take a deep interest in one’s friends.”
“You are quite clever to put it that way,” said Mrs. Osborn. “I shall try to ascertain, and will let you know just how long Doctor Avondale expects to remain, although you are such a naughty boy I ought not to favor you a particle.”