Next to my father, we boys reverenced the doctor; he was our
tutor, in a measure, when we were staying at Hartledon; at least, tutor
to poor George and Val; they used to read with him."
"And you would hint at some alliance between you and this Anne Ashton!"
cried the countess-dowager, in a fume; for she thought she saw a fear
that the great prize might slip through her fingers. "What sort of an
alliance, I should like to ask? Be careful what you say, Hartledon; you
may injure the young woman."
"I'll take care I don't injure Anne Ashton," returned Lord Hartledon,
enjoying her temper. "As to an alliance with her--my earnest wish is, as
it was my father's, that time may bring it about. Val there knows I wish
it."
Val glanced at his brother by way of answer. He had taken no part in the
discussion; his slight lips were drawn down, as he balanced a pair of
scissors on his forefinger, and he looked less good-tempered than usual.
"Has she red hair and sky-blue eyes, and a doll's face? Does she sit in
the pew under the reading-desk with three other dolls?" asked the foaming
dowager.
Lord Hartledon turned and stared at the speaker in wonder--what could be
so exciting her?
"She has soft brown hair and eyes, and a sweet gentle face; she is a
graceful, elegant, attractive girl," said he, curtly. "She sat alone
yesterday; for Arthur was in another part of the church, and Mrs.
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