If she refused him,
he would go far away where no one knew him; if she accepted him,
he would be her devoted slave. She should be a queen, and he
would be her knight.
Ah! What thanks would he return to Heaven if so great a blessing
should be his.
Chapter XXVIII
Lord Airlie muttered something that was not a benediction when,
on the morning following, Gaspar Laurence made his appearance at
Earlescourt.
"We can not receive visitors this morning," said Beatrice, half
impatiently. "Mr. Laurence must have forgotten the ball
tonight."
But Mr. Laurence had forgotten nothing of the kind. It was a
delicious morning, the sun shining brightly and clearly, the
westerly breeze blowing fresh and cool. He had thought it likely
that the young ladies would spend the morning out-of-doors, and
begged permission to join them.
Lady Earle was pleased with the idea. Lord Airlie mentioned
something about fatigue, but he was overruled.
"Stroll in the grounds," said Lady Helena; "go down by the lake;
I will join you there afterward. A few hours in the fresh air
will be the best preparation for the ball.
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