A minute or two later Mr. Howard grew aware of a sudden commotion, and then heard it said that a lady had fainted.
Instinctively he knew that it was Emma--and almost immediately, he knew not how, had reached her side. Motioning everyone away, he raised her in his arms, and carried her out to the hall, where there was a couch, but just before he laid her down she opened her eyes, and there was no mistaking the look of deep joy which flashed into them, as she saw him bending over her.
He could say no more, as they were instantly joined by Mrs. Stephenson and Elizabeth; other guests--some impelled by solicitude, and some by curiosity--quickly following.
These, however, were quietly got rid of by their hostess, who at the same time directed the servants to bring restoratives, and soon Emma was able to sit up. She remained so pale and shaken, however, that Mrs. Stephenson begged her to remain all night; but this was steadily opposed by Elizabeth, who was anxious to bring her back with her, and as Emma herself joined in begging to return, the carriage was sent for.
At this moment Henry, who had just heard of Emma's indisposition, came hurrying up, and assisted in conveying her home.
On the following morning Mr. Howard rode over to Wickstead, and, meeting Emma in the shrubbery, declared his passion.
She could not speak, but she laid her trembling hands in his.
The engagement created not a little stir, and many and various were the comments.
Mr. Curtis composed a pretty speech, for the edification of his patients, to the effect that had he been some forty years younger, when he had had the honour of meeting with Miss Emma, his bachelorhood would have been seriously imperilled.
It is said that when this was reported to Mr. Howard, he vowed he would have imperilled it still further for him.
Mrs. Blake was rejoiced at the news, but it must be confessed that it would be scarcely prudent to record the observations of Charles, who thirsted for his uncle's blood for fully three days after.
Jane still protested that Emma was a fool to have refused a title.
Augusta enquired if she might not be married on the same day?
Lady Edward Sothern's comment was perhaps characteristic--
"There must be something singularly wanting in Arthur Howard to marry a woman of the lower orders."