Crosbie was to go early on the Wednesday morning. What if these three last days should come to be marred with such terrible drawbacks as these!
Bernard Dale had not spoken a word to his cousin of his suit, since they had been interrupted by Crosbie and Lily as they were lying on the bank by the ha-ha. He had danced with her again and again at Mrs Dale's party, and had seemed to revert to his old modes of conversation without difficulty. Bell, therefore, had believed the matter to be over, and was thankful to her cousin, declaring within her own bosom that the whole matter should be treated by her as though it had never happened. To no one,—not even to her mother, would she tell it. To such reticence she bound herself for his sake, feeling that he would be best pleased that it should be so. But now as they rode on together, far in advance of the other couple, he again returned to the subject.
'Bell,' said he, 'am I to have any hope?'
'Any hope as to what, Bernard?'
'I hardly know whether a man is bound to take a single answer on such a subject. But this I know, that if a man's heart is concerned, he is not very willing to do so.'
'When that answer has been given honestly and truly—'
'Oh, no doubt. I don't at all suppose that you were dishonest or false when you refused to allow me to speak to you.'
'But, Bernard, I did not refuse to allow you to speak to me.'
'Something very like it. But, however, I have no doubt you were true enough. But, Bell, why should it be so? If you were in love with any one else I could understand it.'
'I am not in love with any one else.'
'Exactly. And there are so many reasons why you and I should join our fortunes together.'
'It cannot be a question of fortune, Bernard.'
'Do listen to me. Do let me speak, at any rate. I presume I may at least suppose that you do not dislike me.'
'Oh, no.'
'And though you might not be willing to accept any man's hand merely on a question of fortune, surely the fact that our marriage would be in every way suitable as regards money should not set you against it. Of my own love for you I will not speak further, as I do not doubt that you believe what I say; but should you not question your own feelings very closely before you determine to oppose the wishes of all those who are nearest to you?'
'Do you mean mamma, Bernard?'
'Not her especially, though I cannot but think she would like a marriage that would keep all the family together, and would give you an equal claim to the property to that which I have.'
'That would not have a feather's-weight with mamma.'
'Have you asked her?'
'No, I have mentioned the matter to no one.'
'Then you cannot know. And as to my uncle, I have the means of knowing that it is the great desire of his life. I must say that I think some consideration for him should induce you to pause before you give a final answer, even though no consideration for me should have any weight with you.'
'I would do more for you than for him,—much more.'
'Then do this for me. Allow me to think that I have not yet had an answer to my proposal; give me to this day month, to Christmas; till any time that you like to name, so that I may think that it is not yet settled, and may tell Uncle Christopher that such is the case.'
'Bernard, it would be useless.'
'It would at any rate show him that you are willing to think of it.'
'But I am not willing to think of it;—not in that way. I do know my own mind thoroughly, and I should be very wrong if I were to deceive you.'
'And you wish me to give that as your only answer to my uncle?'
'To tell the truth, Bernard, I do not much care what you may say to my uncle in this matter. He can have no right to interfere in the disposal of my hand, and therefore I need not regard his wishes on the subject. I will explain to you in one word what my feelings are about it. I would accept no man in opposition to mamma's wishes; but not even for her could I accept any man in opposition to my own. But as concerns my uncle, I do not feel myself called on to consult him in any way on such a matter.'
