Wives and Daughters: An Every-Day Story - Page 333/572

"Mr. Gibson, I daresay you'll be surprised, I'm sure I am at--at what

I want to say; but I think it's the part of an honourable man, as you

said yourself, sir, a year or two ago, to--to speak to the father

first, and as you, sir, stand in the place of a father to Miss

Kirkpatrick, I should like to express my feelings, my hopes, or

perhaps I should say wishes, in short--"

"Miss Kirkpatrick?" said Mr. Gibson, a good deal surprised.

"Yes, sir!" continued Mr. Coxe, rushing on now he had got so far. "I

know it may appear inconstant and changeable, but I do assure you, I

came here with a heart as faithful to your daughter as ever beat in a

man's bosom. I most fully intended to offer myself and all that I had

to her acceptance before I left; but really, sir, if you had seen her

manner to me every time I endeavoured to press my suit a little--it

was more than coy, it was absolutely repellent, there could be no

mistaking it,--while Miss Kirkpatrick--" he looked modestly down, and

smoothed the nap of his hat, smiling a little while he did so.

"While Miss Kirkpatrick--?" repeated Mr. Gibson, in such a stern

voice, that Mr. Coxe, landed esquire as he was now, felt as much

discomfited as he used to do when he was an apprentice, and Mr.

Gibson had spoken to him in a similar manner.

"I was only going to say, sir, that so far as one can judge from

manner, and willingness to listen, and apparent pleasure in my

visits--altogether, I think I may venture to hope that Miss

Kirkpatrick is not quite indifferent to me,--and I would wait,--you

have no objection, have you, sir, to my speaking to her, I mean?"

said Mr. Coxe, a little anxious at the expression on Mr. Gibson's

face. "I do assure you I haven't a chance with Miss Gibson," he

continued, not knowing what to say, and fancying that his inconstancy

was rankling in Mr. Gibson's mind.

"No! I don't suppose you have. Don't go and fancy it is that which is

annoying me. You're mistaken about Miss Kirkpatrick, however. I don't

believe she could ever have meant to give you encouragement!"

Mr. Coxe's face grew perceptibly paler. His feelings, if evanescent,

were evidently strong.

"I think, sir, if you could have seen her--I don't consider myself

vain, and manner is so difficult to describe. At any rate, you can

have no objection to my taking my chance, and speaking to her."

"Of course, if you won't be convinced otherwise, I can have no

objection. But if you'll take my advice, you will spare yourself the

pain of a refusal. I may, perhaps, be trenching on confidence, but I

think I ought to tell you that her affections are otherwise engaged."