Come, Ursula, you know
there's no other way. We've always known it must come to this.
YOUR father will never forgive me for MY father. You won't fail
me now. Think of the long parting if you send me away alone on
such a voyage. Pluck up your courage, and we'll let Townleys and
MacNairs whistle their mouldy feuds down the wind while we sail
southward in The Fair Lady. I have a plan.'
"'Let me hear it,' said Ursula, beginning to get back her breath.
"'There is to be a dance at The Springs Friday night. Are you
invited, Ursula?'
"'Yes.'
"'Good. I am not--but I shall be there--in the fir grove behind
the house, with two horses. When the dancing is at its height
you'll steal out to meet me. Then 'tis but a fifteen mile ride to
Charlottetown, where a good minister, who is a friend of mine,
will be ready to marry us. By the time the dancers have tired
their heels you and I will be on our vessel, able to snap our
fingers at fate.'
"'And what if I do not meet you in the fir grove?' said Ursula, a
little impertinently.
"'If you do not, I'll sail for South America the next morning, and
many a long year will pass ere Kenneth MacNair comes home again.'
"Perhaps Kenneth didn't mean that, but Ursula thought he did, and
it decided her.
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