Page:010 Once a week Volume X Dec 1863 to Jun 64.pdf/535

 ing in it to pursue another! Sir, you had no right to do this, and I tell you that you are a sneak and a coward. Begone, Mr. Surgeon; send me up your bill, when you get home, and never attempt to put your foot inside my door again, or to cast a thought to Miss Laura Chesney."

"That is easier said than done, Captain Chesney," concluded Mr. Carlton, but he did not turn to leave.

"Now, you black villain! the door, I say; and both of you may thank your stars that I am this day powerless, or your skins might learn what it is to beard a quarter-deck commander."

But Mr. Carlton was already out, and Pompey also. A good thing that they were, for the stick of the roused captain came flying through the air after them; whether meant for one or the other, or both, the sender best knew. It struck the door-post and fell clattering on the floor, denting another dent into the gold top, which already had so many dents in it—as the meek Pompey could testify.

Leaning against the door, shivering and sick, was Lucy Chesney. The noise in the chamber had attracted her notice, and she ran up, but stopped at the entrance, too terrified to enter. She touched the arm of Mr. Carlton.

"Oh, tell me what has happened? I heard Laura's name. What has she done?"

Mr. Carlton shook off her hand, and moved forward, buried in thought. Before he had descended above a stair or two, his recollection apparently came to him, and he went back to the child.

"Don't be alarmed, my dear; it is nothing to tremble at. I made a proposition to Captain Chesney, and he forgot his good manners in answering it. It will be all right; mind, I tell you that it will, and you may tell Laura so, from me. Forgive my having passed you rudely, Lucy; at that moment I was not myself."

He quitted the house, turned out at the gate, and there came face to face with the Miss Chesneys. Something that they intended to take to the town with them had been forgotten, and they were returning for it. Mr. Carlton stood before them and raised his hat. Jane wondered at his presumption in stopping them.

"Can I speak a word with you apart" he suddenly demanded of Laura.

She blushed violently, but after a moment's indecision would have stepped aside with him, had not Jane interposed.

"You can have nothing to say in private to Miss Laura Chesney, that may not be said in public, Mr. Carlton. I must beg her to decline your request."

In direct defiance to her sister, Laura could not grant it. Mr. Carlton saw she could not, and his resolution was taken. He addressed Laura, allowing Miss Chesney to hear, but taking no more notice of her than if she was not by.

"I have been speaking to Captain Chesney. I have been asking him to allow me to address you, and he received my proposals as if they were an insult. He would not hear me make them, or listen to any explanation; he treated me as I should think no gentleman was ever treated yet. Laura, I can now only depend upon you."

She stood before him, her whole face glowing; frightened, but happy.

"But Rome was not built in a day," added Mr. Carlton. "Brick was added to brick, stone to stone, mortar to mortar, pillar to pillar. Ill as Captain Chesney has this day received me, I forgive him for your sake, and hope the time may come when he will be induced to listen to us. We must both strive to subdue his prejudices."

Jane moved a stop forward; she knew what her own course would be, had the proposition been made to her, and she had little doubt it must have been her father's.

"Has my father forbidden you the house, sir?"

"He has. But, as I say, I and your sister must hope to subdue his prejudices. Miss Chesney," he added, seizing her unwilling hand, "do not you be against us. I cannot give up Laura."

"You say 'against us, returned Jane. "In making use of those words it would almost lead to a belief that my sister has an understanding with you in this matter. Is it so?"

"It is," replied Mr. Carlton, in a deep tone; "the understanding of love. Miss Chesney, it is no child's affection that she and I entertain for each other; it is not one that can be readily put aside, even at the will of Captain Chesney. Will you aid us to overcome his opposition?"

"No," said Jane, in a low but firm tone. "I am deeply grieved, deeply shocked, to hear you say this. What you are thinking of can never be."

"I see," said Mr. Carlton, in a cold accent, "you share Captain Chesney's prejudices against me. Miss Chesney—allow me to say it—they may not yet be unconquerable. I tell you, I tell Laura in your presence, that I will do all I can to subdue them; I will do all I can to win her, for mine she shall be. My darling"—and his voice changed to tenderness—"only be true to me! it is all I ask. not to be admitted again to your house; but I shall see you elsewhere, though it be but a chance road meeting, such as this. Good morning, Miss Chesney."