Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 3.djvu/286

276 objection, I'll accompany you home. I like company when I'm walking out—don't you?"

"Yes, when it's agreeable."

"That of course," rejoined the young lady, smiling archly. So we proceeded together.

"Shall I find Rose at home, do you think?" said she, as we closed the garden gate, and set our faces towards Linden-car.

"I believe so."

"I trust I shall, for I've a little bit of news for her—if you haven't forestalled me."

"I?"

"Yes: do you know what Mr. Lawrence is gone for?" She looked up anxiously for my reply.

"Is he gone?" said I, and her face brightened.

"Ah! then he hasn't told you about his sister?"

"What of her?" I demanded, in terror lest some evil should have befallen her.

"Oh, Mr. Markham, how you blush!" cried