Cynthia's surprise was great, as she showed; so also was her relief,
which she did not show.
"And the wedding is to be soon?"
"Geoffrey pleads for the first week in September, that they may have time
to get to some favourite places of his in France before Parliament meets.
Helena and Mrs. Friend will be here to-morrow."
After a pause he turned to her, with another note in his voice:
"You have been with Arthur?"
She gave an account of her day.
"He misses you so. I wanted to make up to him a little."
"He loves you--so do I!" said Buntingford. "Won't you come and take
charge of us both, dear Cynthia? I owe you so much already--I would do my
best to pay it."
He took her hand and pressed it. All was said.
Yet through all her gladness, Cynthia felt the truth of Georgina's
remark--"When he marries it will be for peace--not passion." Well, she
must accept it. The first-fruits were not for her. With all his chivalry
he would never be able to give her what she had it in her to give him.
It was the touch of acid in the sweetness of her lot.
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