Part 25 (1/2)
aamble, I rob dick the ne'er-do-weel is saint Heer lives a Godly and righteous life, anderis robbed by his wife's relations After all, I do not think I envy him overmuch”
”At least, you enjoy life”For ye have no conscience to reckon with”
Carstares' face was inscrutable He touched his lips with his napkin and smiled
”As you say, I enjoy life the morebut as to conscience, I do not think it is that”
O'Hara glanced at hi over its back
”Will ye be offended if I ask ye a question?”
”Of course not”
”Thendo ye intend to go back to this highroad robbery?”
”I do not”
”What then will you do?”
The shadows vanished, and hed
”To tell you the truth, Miles, I've not yet settled that point Fate will decidenot I”
CHAPTER XVI
MR BETTISON PROPOSES
MR BETTISON couldof Diana of late Her de and so cheerful, had beco She seemed hardly to listen to soh at as surely a arded him with a resentful eye, as if she objected to his presence at Horton House, and had no desire to be courted But Mr
Bettison was far too egotistic to believe such a thing, and he brushed the incredible suspicion away, deciding that her coldness was due to a very proper shyness He continued his visits until they became so frequent that scarce a day passed without his strutting step being heard approaching the house and his voice inquiring for the Miss Beauleighs Mr Beauleigh, who secretly hoped for Mr Bettison as a son-in-laould not permit the ladies to deny themselves, and he further counselled Miss Betty to absent herself after the first few ether Thus it was that it so continually fell to Diana's lot to receive the Squire and to listen to his never-endingto ward off the ih, or Mr Bettison's skin was too thick to feel theed her hand inthe refusal for coquettishness, he pressed his suit still more amorously, and with such a self-assured air that Mistress Di becanant
”Sir,” she cried, ”it seems you have indeed misread my attitude towards you!”
Mr Bettison was struck dumb with amazement It had never entered his brain that Diana could seriously refuse him He could hardly believe his ears at this quite un,” continued Diana, ”Ithat you will discontinue your all-too-frequent visits here Please do not dee elseis wearyingandyou will forgive the wordtiresome I confess I am surprised that you had not perceived your attentions to be distasteful toafter two or three unsuccessful attempts from his speechlessness ”Do you mean what you say, Miss Diana? That you will not wed me?”
She nodded
”Yes, Mr Bettison, I do”
”And that h! Well, indeed!”
Diana softened a little
”I am indeed sorry that you should have misconstrued-”
”No misconstruction,control over his tee me to visit you?”
”I do, most emphatically!”
”Oh, I see what 'tis! You cannot hoodwink me 'Twas never thus with you before that fellow came!”
”Mr Bettison, I am entirely at a loss, but I desire you to leave this rooret”
He disregarded her
”You are infatuated by that over-dressed popinjaythat insufferable Carr, who, from all I hear, is but a shady fellow, and who”
With a sweeping movement Diana had risen and walked to the bell-rope She now pulled it with such vigour that a great peal sounded throughout the house
She stood perfectly still, a statue of Disdain, tall, beautiful and furious, with coh Mr Bettison broke off andat her Startled Tho, madam?”
”Show Mr Bettison out,” was the proud answer
The Squire got up aardly
”I aht that was untrue,” he mumbled ”I hope you will not take et your insults, sir,” she replied ”The door, Thomas!”
Mr Bettison went out, and his step had lost soer
For a full reat front door had shut behind him, Diana stood where she was, and then the colour suddenly flamed in her cheeks, and she turned and ran out of the rooed in a luxurious fit of crying From this enjoyable occupation she was interrupted by a rap on the door, and Miss Betty's voice desiring to know if she ithin
She instantly started up and with hasty fingers straightened her tu to sound jaunty To complete the illusion, she started to hum Her aunt entered
”I came to see if you had ht it in fro”
”Yesoh, yesI am so sorry! 'Tis in that corner on the chair, I think,” replied Diana, keeping her face averted
Miss Betty cast a shrewd glance at her, and sat down on the sofa with the air of one who means to stay
”What is it, my love?” she de in a cupboard