I think that I understand the position. But,
Ida, there is one thing that I must ask--you will forgive me if I am
wrong in doing so, but all this is very sad for me. If in the end
circumstances should alter, as I pray heaven that they may, or if Mr.
Cossey's previous entanglement should prove too much for him, will you
marry me, Ida?"
She thought for a moment, and then rising from the seat, gave him her
hand and said simply:
"Yes, I /will/ marry you."
He made no answer, but lifting her hand touched it gently with his
lips.
"Meanwhile," she went on, "I have your promise, and I am sure that you
will not betray it, come what may."
"No," he said, "I will not betray it."
And they went in.
In the drawing-room they found the Squire puzzling over a sheet of
paper, on which were scrawled some of George's accounts, in figures
which at first sight bore about as much resemblance to Egyptian
hieroglyphics as they did to those in use to-day.
"Hullo!" he said, "there you are. Where on earth have you been?"
"We have been looking at the Castle in the moonlight," answered Ida
coolly. "It is beautiful."
"Um--ah," said the Squire, dryly, "I have no doubt that it is
beautiful, but isn't the grass rather damp? Well, look here," and he
held up the sheet of hieroglyphics, "perhaps you can add this up, Ida,
for it is more than I can.
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