The Woodlanders - Page 26/314

Mr. Melbury's tone evinced a certain exultation in the very sense of

that inferiority he affected to deplore; for this advanced and refined

being, was she not his own all the time? Not so Giles; he felt

doubtful--perhaps a trifle cynical--for that strand was wound into him

with the rest. He looked at his clothes with misgiving, then with

indifference.

It was his custom during the planting season to carry a specimen

apple-tree to market with him as an advertisement of what he dealt in.

This had been tied across the gig; and as it would be left behind in

the town, it would cause no inconvenience to Miss Grace Melbury coming

home.

He drove away, the twigs nodding with each step of the horse; and

Melbury went in-doors. Before the gig had passed out of sight, Mr.

Melbury reappeared and shouted after-"Here, Giles," he said, breathlessly following with some wraps, "it may

be very chilly to-night, and she may want something extra about her.

And, Giles," he added, when the young man, having taken the articles,

put the horse in motion once more, "tell her that I should have come

myself, but I had particular business with Mrs. Charmond's agent, which

prevented me. Don't forget."

He watched Winterborne out of sight, saying, with a jerk--a shape into

which emotion with him often resolved itself--"There, now, I hope the

two will bring it to a point and have done with it! 'Tis a pity to let

such a girl throw herself away upon him--a thousand pities!...And yet

'tis my duty for his father's sake."