The Soldier's Wife — page 63: what you’re looking at

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50 when you could meet me with. Lucy at Coven- try or Lineoln, or Derby, or any place at a tolerably convenient distance—and there, with a special license, the ceremony could be accom- p t«sned,.” Davis appeared to ruminate profoundly for several minutes, during which Gerald gazed upon him with the most unfeigned suspense : for, we repeat, he was indeed madly and pas- sionately in love with Lucy. “You require an answer at once, Mr. Red- burn?” said the bailiff slowly. “ It is a serious question—and one for which I was so little prepared if “But you are a man of business, as well as a man of the world,” interposed Gerald; “and you cansurely makeup your mind? I beseech you to do so. THE SOLDIER'S WIFE. vancing towards a successful seu 4 and he congratulated himself upon having Wikies al. vantage of circumstances with such admirable tact, and conducted the whole chicanery of his machinations with such a masterly skill. Lucey, on hearing that the young gentleman had taken his departure, returned to the room; and though her father instantaneously composed his countenance into its wonted cold severity of aspect—yet the instant the door opened, she had caught a glimpse of that vanishing anima- tion which he thus chased away from his fea tures. She could not help looking hard at him ; and he saw that some suspicion was excited in her mind. Ie however said nothing, but sat down to table, the supper-tray being brought in, During the fortntght which now elapsed If you’refuse, common prudence|Gerald continued his evening visits regularly ; will forbid me from visiting you again: but iffand Lucy could not help observing that he you consent, you will send me away so happy.|seemed to place himself on a more familiar foot- Oh, so happy—you cannot conjecture !” “My dear sir,” returned the bailiff, “I cannot possibly refuse to yield to your entreaties. I therefore give my consent.” “'Thanks—a thousand thanks!” exclaimed Gerald ; and seizing the bailiffs hand, he pressed it warmly. “May I come to-morrow evening with the assurance of being kindly received by Miss Lucy ?” “Will you take my advice in one thing, Mr. Redburn ?” asked Davis, as an idea struck him how to manage the matter with his daughter. “You have only to express your wishes, and I shall agree to them,” responded Gerald eagerly. “Lucy, as you are aware, isa girl of very ing with her father than heretofore—while towards herself his conduct was marked with as much pointed attention as circumstances allowed him to pay her. She still maintained her cold reserve towards him: but he was now | accustomed to it, and felt assured that it was nothing but what her father had represented— namely, a coyness that would wear off. Stil. she had her misgivings that some secret treache- ry was at work, and that there was a private understanding between her father and Gerald. She more than once entertained the idea or seeking an opportunlty to converse with hina privately, and in a few brief but impressive words give him to understand that she had not failed to observe his attentions, but that they delicate sensibilities and of the highest notions| were most displeasing to her, as in truth her of propriety. She will consider the courtship|heart was inalienably devoted to another. But of a month to be too brief; and she will like-jshe hesitated to take this step—in the first wise mistrust the happiness that 1s in store for| place, because, as he had made no overt decla- her. She will reflect, and naturally par-|ration, she in maiden modesty had no right to don me for saying s0 that you are very|assume that there was any serious meaning in young, that you have been rather wild, and/those attentions; and in the second place, she that like too many young gentlemen, you may|reflected that he perhaps already knew that perhaps be changeable. It would therefore|her affections were engaged elsewhere, but was please me better that you should continue tojindifferent on the point. She therefore held Visit upon the same terms as at present; and|her peace; and thus the days passed on—the that even when taking your departure from|evening visits were repeated—until Gerald one the neighborhood, you should make no formal|night announced joyfully that he was gazetted avowal to my daughter. But so soon as ever|to a commission in the —th regiment. you please after you have left, you can write} It seemed as if Lucy were stricken with a her a letter, enclosed in one to myself, and in| blow; for this was the same identical regiment which you can address her in terms befitting}to which Frederick Lonsdale belonged—and the circumstances. Your letter to me will|the poor girl could not af instantaneously notify the place, the day, and the hour, where] perceiving that his remorseless enemy would and when we are to meet you—you will have/now obtain every possible opportunity of tyr- the special license in readiness—and the cere-|annizing over him. Davis at once comprehended mony can take place, These are my sugges-|what was passing in his daughter’s mind; and tions, my dear Mr. Redburn—and I hope they{he hastened to make some observation in the will prove agreeable to you.” hope of diverting Gerald's attention from her. “J have already said that I will follow your|Lucy, overpowered by her feelings, was come wishes in all things. Beit as you say :’—then|pelled to quit the room abruptly; and when with another cordial shake of the hand, Gerald|she had thus ren! age the wily bailiff said Redburn took his leave of the bailiff. to the young gentleman, “Now, Mr. Redburn, When he was gone, Davis shut himself up injyou can have no doubt as to the state of my the parlour and rubbed his hands more glee-|daughter’s feelings towards you.” fully than he had done on the first occasion of} “1s it possible then,” exclaimed the overjoyed the young gentleman’s visit. His countenance|Gerald, forgetting at the moment the coincid- tt with the animation of joy and triumph.|ence of the regiment to which he was appointed @ beheld his projects steadily and surely ad-|being the same as that in whose ranks Lonsdale com (E cS v.00