"Come, come, you will never do for a soldier's wife. Is it not better for me to be fighting for my country than staying here eating the bread of idleness? I am sure you would be prouder of me dead on the battlefield than to see me a hanger-on here."
"In that case I shall enlist." And after taking her in his arms, he kissed her tenderly. "I shall be here for another week. Let us make the best of our time."
Hand in hand they passed from the chapel, but at the door they suddenly separated. Mrs Gabriel was coming up the steps, and cast a cold smile at the pair. "I want to see you, Leo, when you can spare the time," she said.
"I will come with you now," said Haverleigh. "And you, Sybil?"
"I want to find Pearl Darry," said Miss Tempest; "she is offended with me, and I must make my peace with her. Good-day, Mrs Gabriel!"
"Good-day!" said Mrs Gabriel in her stiffest manner. Then, as Leo walked down the road beside her, back to the castle, she added, "I understand that you are engaged, Leo, and without my consent?"
"I am sorry you should be vexed," he said formally; "but I cannot sacrifice my life's happiness even for you."
"Bless the boy! I don't want you to do that," said Mrs Gabriel, sharply. "And about this enlisting?"
Mrs Gabriel drew a long breath, and walked on in silence for a few moments. "Well," she said at length, "I think it is about the best thing you could do. Your debts?"
"I shall see that they are paid," said Leo, calmly.
"Oh, indeed! And where will you get the money?"
Mrs Gabriel again became silent. "I don't think you are treating me altogether fairly, Leo."
"I am willing to do whatever you think best, mother. But I am ashamed to live on your charity any longer. However, I promise you one thing. I shall not enlist for at least a month."
Mrs Gabriel laughed silently. Many things might happen in a month.
Still anxious to secure Mr Pratt for a son-in-law, Mrs Bathurst resolved to make some return to his hospitality. Her husband had very little money, and the lady was unable to give a dinner-party on account of the cost. Also Pratt had "done things so well"--so she put it--that she was unwilling to provoke comparisons. Nevertheless, some sort of entertainment had to be given, and after much reflection and many consultations with Peggy, it was decided that it should take the form of a picnic. The scenery around Colester was beautiful, the weather was fine, and the cost of an open-air entertainment would be comparatively small. Mrs Bathurst therefore issued cards.