you propose, and lay the whole case before Mr. Hardy." "I will go at once," said Edward. "All good fortune attend you." Mr. Marshall smiled at the impatience of the young lover; but to confess the truth he was almost as impatient himself. He remained all the morning in a fidgetty state of anxiety, unlike his usual placid demeanour, and looked at his watch fifty times to ascertain how soon he might know the result of an experiment, in which he felt most justly a personal interest. CHAPTER IX. The wise and active conquer difficulties ROWE. EDWARD upon arriving at Allerton was ushered into the study, where he had to wait some minutes before Mr. Hardy appeared. Every one who has waited, and who has not? in the dining-room of a dentist, may imagine Edward's sensations. The comparison is certainly not a very dignified one, nor, perhaps, so romantic as the nature of his errand might seem to require, but it gives the notion of a thoroughly uncomfortable state, and such was his at that moment. The events of the morning had taken place so rapidly that he had had no time for fear, but now, the stake at hazard and the innumerable chances against his success rose before him in tremendous array. He thought himself most presumptuous, and was just convinced of his total ineligibility as a son-inlaw, when Mr. Hardy entered the room. The first greetings over, Edward was at a loss how to proceed. He had plenty of courage and decision when called upon to act, very little when called upon to speak. A degree of constitutional reserve held him back, and was only conquered by a strong effort. "Have you any communication to make to me from Mr. Marshall?" asked Mr. Hardy, at length, seeing that Edward delayed giving a reason for his visit. 66 "No, Mr. Hardy, the object for which I am here is one solely relating to myself, and one I may well hesitate to announce to you; but first may I ask whether you are aware of Mr. Marshall's generosity to me?" 66 No, Mr. Johnson, I only know generally that he is well-disposed towards you, and values your services highly." "Much too highly," interposed Edward. "I do not say that," returned Mr. Hardy, in a rather patronising tone. "But what has he done? Has he raised your salary?" This speech fell gratingly on Edward's ear, but he answered only by recapitulating what had taken place that morning. Mr. Hardy was evidently surprised; his congratulations, however, were warm and unaffected, for he really thought highly of Edward. "And now, sir," proceeded the latter, "now that you know what my circumstances are, it remains for you to decide. whether this day shall be the brightest or the saddest of my life!" Mr. Hardy did not seem to understand him. Edward went on with desperate boldness. "Am I wrong in thinking that you have perceived the feelings with which I regard your daughter? Am I too presumptuous in asking your permission to make those feelings known to herself?" Mr. Hardy made no answer, but his countenance was anything rather than encouraging. Edward heeded it not. "Until I had a certain income," he said; " and a certain position, however humble, I compelled myself to silence. Now-" "Now," said Mr. Hardy, with a forced attempt to laugh; "the best thing you can do is to go home, and forget all about it. You can fall in love with Miss Marshall by and by, if you like, but you are much too young to marry yet." "If that is all," “ exclaimed Edward, eagerly; "I can wait. I would serve seven years, and seven years again to win your daughter." "Nonsense, nonsense, I do not wish to hear any more of this boyish stuff. Go home and enjoy your good fortune." |