Do not say anything about my calling here
this afternoon. Dexie does not seem in the humor to hear a proposal yet;
but I am going to take advantage of the first chance, so you may expect
news at any time."
"Well, Traverse, I shall watch the progress you make, _sub rosa_. It will
add quite an interest to the monotonous life I spend here on my back."
"You may not have long to wait, for I am going to press the matter at the
earliest opportunity, even though I may get a positive refusal for my
answer," was the laughing reply. "I have bought the ring, so you see I have
some hope."
"Well, upon my word, Traverse! that is taking time by the forelock, sure
enough. I must be even blinder than I thought, if there are enough signs
for you to go that far already. She wears a ring now that has given rise to
much gossip, but I cannot get at the truth of the matter. She will not tell
me her secrets as she used to do; so take care, Traverse, the giver of that
ring may be in your way, after all."
"I'll risk it, Mr. Sherwood," he said, smiling. "But the young ladies have
just turned the corner; I shall have to escape by the side-door.
Pages:
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566