Chapter 36 - Page 2

there on Thursday to lunch; he asked you all, and I promised for you.'

Still no reply; natural, perhaps, but very flat.

'You'll be glad of that Cynthia, shan't you?' asked Mr Gibson. 'It may be a little formidable, but I hope it will be the beginning of a good understanding between you.'

'Thank you!' said she, with an effort. 'But - but won't it make it public? I do so wish not to have it known, or talked about, not till he comes back or close upon the marriage.'

'I don't see how it should make it public,' said Mr Gibson. 'My wife goes to lunch with my friend, and takes her daughters with her - there's nothing in that, is there?'

'I am not sure that I shall go,' put in Mrs Gibson. She did not know why she said it, for she fully intended to go all the time; but having said it she was bound to stick to it for a little while; and, with such a husband as hers, the hard necessity was sure to fall upon her of having to find a reason for her saying. There it came, quick and sharp.

'Why not?' said he, turning round upon her.

'Oh, because - because I think he ought to have called on Cynthia first; I've that sort of sensitiveness I can't bear to think of her being slighted because she is poor.'

'Nonsense!' said Mr Gibson. 'I do assure you, no slight whatever was intended. He does not wish to speak about the engagement to anyone - not even to Osborne - that's your wish, too, is it not, Cynthia? Nor does he intend to mention it to any of you when you go there; but, naturally enough, he wants to make acquaintance with his future daughter-in-law. If he deviated so much from his usual course as to come calling here -- '

'I am sure I don't want him to come calling here,' said Mrs Gibson, interrupting. 'He was not so very agreeable the only time he did come. But I am that sort of a character that I cannot put up with any neglect of persons I love, just because they are not smiled upon by fortune.' She sighed a little ostentatiously as she ended her sentence.

'Well, then, you won't go!' said Mr Gibson provoked, but not wishing to have a long discussion, especially as he felt his temper going.

'Do you wish it, Cynthia?' said Mrs Gibson, anxious for an excuse to yield.

But her daughter was quite aware of this motive for the question, and replied quietly, - 'Not particularly, mamma. I am quite willing to refuse the invitation.'

'It is already accepted,' said Mr Gibson, almost ready to vow that he would never again meddle in any affair in which women were concerned, which would effectually shut him out from all love affairs for the future. He had been touched by the squire's relenting, pleased with what he had thought would give others pleasure, and this was the end of it!

'Oh, do go, Cynthia!' said Molly, pleading with her eyes as' well as her words. 'Do; I am sure you will like the squire; and it is such a pretty