It was not filled with loving, passionate words, as was the first
Hugh had written. He said the time had come when he must have an
answer--when he must know from her own lips at what period he
might claim the fulfillment of her promise--when she would be
his wife.
He would wait no longer. If it was to be war, let the war begin
he should win. If peace, so much the better. In any case he
was tired of suspense, and must know at once what she intended to
do. He would trust to no more promises; that very night he would
be at Earlescourt, and must see her. Still, though he intended
to enforce his rights, he would not wantonly cause her pain. He
would not seek the presence of her father until she had seen him
and they had settled upon some plan of action.
"I know the grounds around Earlescourt well," he wrote. "I
wandered through them for many nights three weeks ago. A narrow
path runs from the gardens to the shrubbery--meet me there at
nine; it will be dark then, and you need not fear being seen.
Remember, Beatrice, at nine tonight I shall be there; and if you
do not come, I must seek you in the house, for see you I will.
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