Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/319

Rh "Was Mr. Huntingdon proposing to you, Helen?" enquired my too watchful relative.

"No."

"What was he saying then? I heard something very like it."

"I don't know what he would have said, if you hadn't interrupted him."

"And would you have accepted him, Helen, if he had proposed?"

"Of course not—without consulting uncle and you."

"Oh! I'm glad, my dear, you have so much prudence left. Well now," she added, after a moment's pause, "you have made yourself conspicuous enough for one evening. The ladies are directing inquiring glances towards us at this moment I see. I shall join them. Do you come too, when you are sufficiently composed to appear as usual."

"I am so now."

"Speak gently then; and don't look so malicious," said my calm, but provoking aunt.