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"But I have seen Francis Forcus, which was quite enough for me." A silence fell. Bessie's heart beat loudly, the colour left her face. Her father turned to her as he said the last words. "Yes, papa?" she faltered. "Your mother sent me to him on a fool's errand," he said. Then, scowling upon daughter and wife, he gulped down a cup of tea, pushed his chair noisily back and went from the room.
The few pounds he had put, in order that he might find them there, in Bernard's room, had been infinitely more to him than the fifty pounds to Sir Francis Forcus. And he was one who saved his money anxiously for the end he had in view. Would she call him "kind and generous and noble" if he told her? He more than doubted it.
"Do not heed what others in their spite and jealousy may say. The man Forcus is a purse-proud snob. But if as such he is too proud to receive you into his family, remember that there is another that have better taste. My family is highly respectable, but they would receive you gladly, for my sake. And as for me, I should always think you did me honour by becoming mine.
You may not think so to-day, but you may take my word for it that you will come to think so." He clasped her hand reassuringly for a moment; then she went. The letter from Sir Francis Forcus had been on Deleah's breakfast plate. The family had the bad habit of expecting to see each other's letters. They all knew who it was who had written, and what he had asked.
"Which in other words means about Bessie," said Deleah to herself, strung up, now that it was inevitable, for the revelation. "It's about my prospects. Perhaps you think I haven't got any, Miss Deleah. Or any position, to speak of? I have not, I know. Not like your friend, Mr. Forcus. He's got this thousands a year, where at most I can hope for hundreds, I suppose."
Their walk had brought them opposite the morning-room window at which Miss Forcus was now standing looking out, wondering what Francis had found to say to the girl to whom he so seldom spoke. Deleah with an effort found her voice. "That time when you spoke to me about your brother I had not promised to marry him." "I know," he said very gently, for her voice showed him that she was distressed.
It was not the anticipated milk, however, that Bessie found upon the doorstep, but no less a delightful surprise than the exquisite person of Mr. Reginald Forcus. "Ah, how do, Bessie? I thought I'd give you a look. I hope I am not de trop?" he asked.
"They will hate to see you." "I shall go. I am sure they are people of nice feeling." Of that visit, too, no very satisfactory account could be given. It had been very painful. Mrs. Day had not been present. She had sent a message thanking Miss Forcus for calling, and asking to be excused. There had been only the girls.
But she only watched the arrivals; and Reggie Forcus was never among them. "Perhaps he's gone to speak to papa," she said brightly after a silence." No doubt he thought, after all, it would be better to get things settled. I expect that is what Reggie has done, mama." "I would not think so much about it, if I were you, my dear. Wait until matters have arranged themselves."
You will stay with us until Reggie comes home? Go to my sister and tell her so. Will you?" "If you wish it," Deleah said. Miss Forcus, who under no circumstance could have been cold or inhospitable, received the intimation that Deleah was to stay until Reginald came home with less than accustomed warmth. "Of course, my dear!
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