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Updated: May 21, 2025
Still, there is no object to be gained now in raking up all of Mr Mawley's old conquests or defeats, ere his present "wooing and a':" he had been accepted, in this his most recent venture, and was engaged explicitly Lady Dasher taking very good care to inform everybody of her acquaintance of the fact, in order that there might arise no such little mistake as that of the curate's backing out of the alliance.
It is wonderful, how people living in a small suburb, or remote country village, are obliged to submit to having their actions canvassed, and the incidents of their private life made public property of, by other persons with whom they may have nothing whatever in common! For instance, what earthly concern was it of Mr Mawley's, whether I chose to accept a Government appointment, or not?
She seemed really much more interested in Mawley's conversation than I thought any reasonable person could be; while he was grinning and carrying on at a rate, which, if I had been Mrs Clyde, I would not have allowed for a moment. O, the equilibriant temperament of the "superior" sex! Min teased me yet further.
When Mawley told him that she was in his drawing-room, he could scarcely believe his joyful ears. He had to put a constraint on himself to walk to its door in a decorous fashion fit for Mawley's eyes, and not dash to it at full speed. He entered the room with his eyes shining very brightly. Mrs. Dangerfield greeted him coldly, even a little haughtily. She was looking grave and ill at ease.
"Everybody's opinion has been given but yours and Miss Pimpernell's, and Mr Mawley's; and I'm coming to them presently." "I'm sure I can't say," I answered, "perhaps a combination of choral music, running water, I mean the sound of brooks gliding and fountains splashing, with almond toffee at discretion: that's my idea of earthly felicity at least."
"Ah!" he grunted, oracularly. "You knows best about that, sir!" "Well, don't you dare, Shuffler," I savagely retorted, "to couple that lady's name with Mr Mawley's!" I was literally boiling over with fury at the very suspicion: it was the realisation of my worst fears! "You've no cause to get angry, Mr Lorton," said he.
Everybody, too, was satisfied the vicar and Miss Pimpernell, at the success of the treat and the pleasure of the school-children; the churchwardens, that the expenses did not come out of their pockets; Lady Dasher, at Mr Mawley's attentions to her daughter, which she really thought "quite marked;" and the rest of us, more youthful members of the parish gathering, at the general delightfulness of the day's outing the excursion by water, the picnic in the park, the gipsying, the fresh breeze, the bright sun, the everything!
I had not done so; neither had I any opportunity of atoning for my neglect, as she was too busy receiving the new comers; but, indeed, I would have been too proud to excuse myself after witnessing Mr Mawley's "effusion."
I did not like to press any more inquiries with reference to Mr Mawley's rumoured engagement, thinking they would look too pointed, disclosing my interest in the affair, however much I was transported with the feelings of mingled jealousy, doubt, and uncertainty, that were preying on my heart; consequently, I now took my leave, all the suspicions and fears, which Shuffler's news had given rise to, more rife than ever: the renewed hope that Miss Pimpernell's cheery address had inspired me with, completely dispelled.
Bessie remained silent, but her sister said impulsively, "I don't believe it, ma not what you say, but about Minnie Clyde's engagement. Mr Mawley's going there proves nothing, as Bessie said; and, as for Mrs Clyde, I believe she would smile in that graceful way of hers I hate fine people! and say nothing if you told her that her house was on fire!
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