You shall not cancel
the bond between us. I will not abandon this pursuit. I rely upon your
niece's truth and honour, and set your influence at nought. I leave her
with a confidence in her pure faith, which you will never weaken, and
with no concern but that I do not leave her in some gentler care.'
With that, he pressed her cold hand to his lips, and once more
encountering and returning Mr Haredale's steady look, withdrew.
A few words to Joe as he mounted his horse sufficiently explained what
had passed, and renewed all that young gentleman's despondency with
tenfold aggravation. They rode back to the Maypole without exchanging a
syllable, and arrived at the door with heavy hearts.
Old John, who had peeped from behind the red curtain as they rode up
shouting for Hugh, was out directly, and said with great importance as
he held the young man's stirrup,
'He's comfortable in bed--the best bed. A thorough gentleman; the
smilingest, affablest gentleman I ever had to do with.'
'Who, Willet?' said Edward carelessly, as he dismounted.
'Your worthy father, sir,' replied John. 'Your honourable, venerable
father.'
'What does he mean?' said Edward, looking with a mixture of alarm and
doubt, at Joe.
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