Part 41 (2/2)

Headland had been for some time writing in his room after Harry had left him, when the latter returned, and told him he would find Julia in the grounds. Headland eagerly hurried out, and joined her at the spot where Harry had told him she was waiting. They walked on till they reached a summer-house near the lake.

”You have had an interview with my father, and he has since talked to me, and desired me to speak to you, and I promised to obey him, but I do so under compulsion. He said that he would never sanction my becoming your wife, and that I must tell you so. I replied, that as you had my heart, to no one else would I give my hand.”

Headland had every reason to be satisfied with all Julia said, though he felt that long years might pa.s.s before she could become his, while she could not hide from herself the numberless dangers he might have to encounter before he could return to claim her; and even then would her father have relented, and might not still difficulties be thrown in the way of their marriage? Hope, however, buoyed her up. Her great wish, in the meantime, would be to remain at Texford, and endeavour to benefit the tenantry and surrounding cottagers. London with its gaieties she felt would have no attractions for her, though she had reason to fear that her father would insist on her going there, and mixing in society, in the hopes of inducing her to form a match such as he would consider suitable for her.

Headland, more than ever convinced of Julia's attachment, was thankful that he had not taken offence at the language her father had used, and at once left the house.

That last meeting, as they sat together looking out on the placid lake, mirrored with the foliage of the overhanging trees, with swans gliding calmly across its surface, the only sound the sweet songs of the bird, or the occasional splash of the fish as they rose to seize the careless flies fleeting above them, could never be forgotten: it brought a sense of peace, and consolation, and hope to their hearts.

The time flew by. Both were unwilling to return to the house. It was the last opportunity they would have of meeting alone.

General Sampson's voice addressing Mrs Appleton in loud tones aroused them.

”I tell you, my dear madam, I shall win my bet notwithstanding,” he exclaimed. ”My friend, the captain, is not a man who is likely to strike his flag as long as he has a stick standing; he will renew the fight as soon as he has repaired damages.”

”I tell you, general, I have known Sir Ralph longer than you have--a more determined, or rather obstinate gentleman does not exist, and unless this captain is a man of family, and that he is not, or I am very sure we should have heard about it, our friend will never give his sanction.”

”Then, by Jove, the young people will run off and do without it, ah! ah!

ah!” roared the general.

”Fie, fie, General Sampson, you would not approve of such a proceeding, I hope.”

”I am not sure of that, Mrs Appleton,” was the answer; and just then the couple came in sight of Headland and Julia, and must have been aware that their remarks had been overheard.

The young people were still more annoyed at being discovered. They both rose, and at the same moment the gong sounded from the house to summon the guests to dress for dinner.

”Pleasant sound that, captain, for those who have appet.i.tes,” observed the general. ”We must all obey it whether or not, and move homewards.”

Though Julia and Headland would willingly have lingered longer, they were compelled to follow the old general and Mrs Appleton to the house.

How quickly that evening went by. Sir Ralph was as courteous as usual, and though formal in the extreme in his manner to Captain Headland, no one would have suspected what had occurred in the morning. Julia did her best to maintain her composure. Though Sir Ralph begged to have music, her mother interfered and saved her from the trial.

Next day arrived at length. Captain Headland was really gone. Julia felt bewildered and desolate; it seemed as if she had received some heavy blow from which it was impossible to recover. Sir Ralph spoke to her in a more kind way than usual, and tried to joke with her, while he amused his guests with the numerous anecdotes which he knew well how to tell.

The doctor, who came early, allowed Harry to take a ride. ”It must be short though, and you must not gallop at headlong speed, as you naval officers are apt to do.”

”I will get my sister to accompany me to keep me in order.” Julia gladly agreed to bear him company.

”Thank you, dear Julia,” said Harry, as soon as they were in the saddle.

”We must go to Downside; I cannot exist another day without seeing May.”

Julia nodded her consent.

”I thought she would have written to me, but I have my fears that either our good cousins have forbidden her to write or that her letters may have been stopped,” he continued. ”Did you write to her?” asked Julia.

”No, but I sent messages, and as the only person I could trust to take a letter declined doing so, I could not order a groom to take one, as I had my suspicions that it might be stopped or opened; besides, I have that confidence in May's love that I felt sure she would be content to wait till we could again meet, hearing in the meantime that I was rapidly recovering.”

”You acted wisely,” said Julia, ”for it is impossible to say how our cousins may think it their duty to behave towards you in future.”

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