He did
not beat about the bush, as the saying is; did not say, 'My dear,' or
'by your leave, Miss,' or 'excuse me,' or anything nice, as one would
expect from a gentleman on a delicate occasion of the kind, but he
said, quite abruptly:
"'How would you like to live at Nyalong, Miss Edgeworth?'
"She was looking on the floor, and her fingers were playing with a
bit of ribbon, and she was so nice and winsome, and well dressed, you
couldn't have helped giving her a kiss. She never raised her eyes to
his face, but I think she just looked as high as his boots, which
were stained and dusty. The silly man was waiting for her to say
something; but she hung down her head, and said nothing. At last he
said:
"'I suppose you know what I mean, Miss Edgeworth?'
"'Yes,' she said, in a low voice. 'I know what you mean, thank you.'
"Then there was silence for I don't know how long; it was really
dreadful, and I couldn't think how it was going to end. At last he
heaved a big sigh, and said:
"'Well, Miss Edgeworth, there is no need to hurry; take time to think
about it. I am going to ride out, and perhaps you will be good
enough to let me know your mind when I come back.'
"Then he just shook her hand, and I hurried away from the door. It
was rather mean of me to be listening to them, but I took as much
interest in Miss Edgeworth as if she were my own daughter.
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