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Mrs. Hamley wants me, and papa says I may go, said Molly; and almost at the same time the Squire replied My wife is ill, and as shes very fond of your daughter, she begged Mr. Gibson to allow her to come to the Hall for a little while, and he kindly said she might, and Im come to fetch her. Stop a minute, darling, said Mrs. Gibson to Mollya slight cloud over her countenance, in spite of her caressing word. I am sure dear papa quite forgot that you were to go out with me to-night, to visit people, continued she, addressing herself to the Squire, with whom I am quite unacquaintedand it is very uncertain if Mr. Gibson can return in time to accompany meso, you see, I cannot allow Molly to go with you. I shouldnt have thought it would have signified. Brides are always brides, I suppose: and its their part to be timid; but I shouldnt have thought itin this case. And my wife sets her heart on things, as sick people do. Well, Molly (in a louder tone, for these foregoing sentences were spoken sotto voce), we must put it off till to-morrow; and its our loss, not yours, he continued, as he saw the reluctance with which she slowly returned to her place. Youll be as gay as can be to-night, I daresay No, I shall not, broke in Molly. I never wanted to go, and now I shall want it less than ever. Hush, my dear, said Mrs. Gibson; and, addressing the Squire, she added, The visiting here is not all one could wish for so young a girlno young people, no dances, nothing of gaiety; but it is wrong in you, Molly, to speak against such kind friends of your fathers as I understand these Cockerells are. Dont give so bad an impression of yourself to the kind Squire. Let her alone! let her alone! quoth he. I see what she means. Shed rather come and be in my wifes sick-room than go out for this visit to-night. Is there no way of getting her off? None whatever, said Mrs. Gibson. An engagement is an engagement with me; and I consider that she is not only engaged to Mrs. Cockerell, but to mebound to accompany me, in my husbands absence. The Squire was put out; and, when he was put out, he had a trick of placing his hands on his knees and whistling softly to himself. Molly knew this phase of his displeasure, and only hoped he would confine himself to this wordless expression of annoyance. It was pretty hard work for her to keep the tears out of her eyes; and she endeavoured to think of something else rather than dwell on regrets and annoyances. She heard Mrs. Gibson talking on in a sweet monotone, and wished to attend to what she was saying; but the Squires visible annoyance struck sharper on her mind. At length, after a pause of silence, he started up, and said Well! its no use. Poor madam; she wont like it. Shell be disappointed! But its but for one eveningbut for one evening! She may come to-morrow, maynt she? Or will the dissipation of such an evening as she describes be too much for her? There was a touch of savage irony in his manner which frightened Mrs. Gibson into good behaviour. She shall be ready at any time you name. I am so sorry; my foolish shyness is in fault, I believe; but still, you must acknowledge that an engagement is an engagement. Did I ever say an engagement was an elephant, madam? However, theres no use saying any more about it, or I shall forget my manners. Im an old tyrant, and shelying there in bed, poor girlhas always given me my own way. So youll excuse me, Mrs. Gibson, wont you; and let Molly come along with me at ten to-morrow morning? Certainly, said Mrs. Gibson, smiling. But, when his back was turned, she said to Molly |
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