Carr were closeted with him so long."
He could not deny it; but he had been thankful that she should forget the
stranger and his visit. Maude waited.
"Then it was an action, but not brought by the Ashtons?" she resumed,
finding he did not speak. "Mamma remarked that you were just the one to
propose to half-a-dozen girls."
"It was not an action at all of that description; and I never proposed to
any girl except Miss Ashton," he returned, nettled at the remark.
"Is it over?"
"Not quite;" and there was some hesitation in his tone. "Carr is settling
it for me. I trust, Maude, you will never hear of it again--that it will
never trouble you."
She sat looking at him with her wistful eyes.
"Won't you tell me its nature?"
"I cannot tell you, Maude, believe me. I am as candid with you as it is
possible to be; but there are some things best--best not spoken of.
Maude," he repeated, rising impulsively and taking both her hands in his,
"do you wish to earn my love--my everlasting gratitude? Then you may do
it by nevermore alluding to this."
It was a mistaken request; an altogether unwise emotion. Better that he
had remained at the window, and drawled out a nonchalant denial. But he
was apt to be as earnestly genuine on the surface as he was in reality.
It set Lady Hartledon wondering; and she resolved to "bide her time."
"As you please, of course, Val.
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