"Miss Aubrey's somewhere in the grounds, sir," replied a servant.
"Mr. Runnington will tell you all"--said Delamere; and springing off the step, was out of sight in a twinkling, in quest of Miss Aubrey--burning to be the first with the joyful news. He soon caught sight of her graceful figure--she was standing with her back towards him, apparently in a musing posture, gazing at the bubbling rivulet. Hearing his bounding steps, she turned round, and started at seeing him.
"Oh, Kate, Kate!" he stammered breathlessly, "by Heaven, we've won!"--Miss Aubrey turned very pale.
"Mr. Delamere--you--you--cannot be--I _hope_ you are not mistaken"----said she, faintly.
"On my sacred word of honor, I have seen--I have read it all myself! 'T is as sure as that the sun is shining--The game is up with the villains!" Miss Aubrey made him no answer; her cheek continued white as that of a statue; and it was absolutely necessary that he should put his arm around her--if he had not, she would have fallen.
"Come!--Come! My sweet, my lovely Kate! Rouse yourself!" cried he, with fond anxiety, and pressed his lips gently on her forehead--a liberty of which she was probably not conscious, for she made no show of resistance. Presently she heaved a deep sigh, her eyes opened, and, finding herself entirely in his embrace, she made a slight effort to disengage herself, but in vain. He was supporting her on one knee--for there was no bench or seat within view. She burst into tears, and they soon relieved her pent-up bosom of its excitement.
"Dearest--sweetest Kate--it's glorious news, and I have been too hasty with it!" said he, excitedly.
"No--no--Mr. Delamere! I am only overpowered with joy and with gratitude! Oh, Mr. Delamere, I could sink out of your sight!"
"Pho! my own angel!--Don't make me miserable by talking in that strain!"
"Well, what _shall_ I say?" cried she, passionately, bursting again into tears, and turning her face from him, conscious that it was reddening.
"_Say_, Kate? That you will let me love you, and will love me in return! Come, my own Kate! Heaven smiles on you--smile you on _me_!" She spoke not---but sobbed, her face still averted from him.
"I know you won't say me nay, Kate, if it's only for the _news_ I've brought you express"--said Delamere, ardently, and imprinted a passionate kiss on her unresisting lips.