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“I doubt I shall be able to restore my arm to its socket”
Robert abruptly released him “Yes, of course Carried away You can’t kno—Gad, I’er you were gone, until I thought I’d just better hang myself”
“‘Men have died from time to time, and worms have eaten them, but not for love’”
“Well, if you say so But I thought I would die I don’t knohen I’ve spent a worse night”
“I’et this letter done?”
“Yes, yes, absolutely This minute” Robert plunked himself down at the desk, tore out a stack of paper, picked up a pen, and waited
“Mind you don’t spoil all my pens And no blots”
“Yes, Julian,” was the docile reply
As it turned out, Lord Robert spoiled a dozen quills, because not one but two letters needed to be written After Julian had exaone into a queer sort of trance Then, in an equally queer voice, he had reminded Robert of Cecily’s aunt
Though the young pair had not eloped, they had caused theconsiderable distress She deserved a personal apology, of course, but an advance note—properly penitent—would be needed, if Robert expected to be admitted to speak to her at all
This note turned out to be farevery word a hundred ti was done
It was sent to the, with a request for an appointment in the early afternoon
Shortly after noon, a frantic Robert received word that Mrs Davenant would await him at two o’clock
He arrived at one-thirty, and was left to cool his heels the full re room
“You intend to seek Lord Glenwood’s consent, I trust?” theasked after she’d listened coies
“Yes, iven you every reason to dislike me, but you must know—”
“I don’t dislike you,” she said coolly “I’ve never disliked you, Lord Robert That was an unfortunateIf you truly care for my niece—”
“Oh, I do Believe me, I’d die to irl in the world!”
“Yes Well” She paused and Robert waited anxiously
Really, he thought, she was as bad as Julian for dragging a thing out and driving a man distracted
“Are your parents aware of your intentions?” she asked finally
He assured her there would be no trouble with his fahted Julian had written this very day—a wonderful letter “But he’s so clever,” Robert went on The words just cohly of Cec—of Miss Glenwood And when they meet her, I know they’ll love her They can’t help it No one could,” he said fervently
That earned a small smile “Very well,” she said “I shall ask Cecily to step down to speak with you”
“Oh, Mrs Davenant!” Robert shot up out of his chair, and forgetting altogether who she was, yanked her up froed her “Thank you,” he cried “You really are splendid Julian was quite right That is—” Hastily, he let go and blushed “I beg your pardon”
She flushed a bit as well, but she nodded with her customary cool politeness, then turned away to summon her niece
Lord Robert was given a very generous half hour alone with his darling, though the door to the drawing roo man finally took his leave, Cecily ran upstairs to her aunt’s sitting rooed her a dozen times, and told her she was the sweetest, kindest, irl could ever want—even a horribly ill-bred, ungrateful girl like herself
“I only want you to be happy, Cecily,” said Lilith
“Yes, Aunt, and I shall be,” said Cecily She dropped onto the footstool and gazed thoughtfully at her aunt “Though I do wish you’d be happy as well”