But to return, Sir Edmund, to the matter of which we were speaking. You are thinking, I dare say, that no provision was made for Miss Radley here. But, my dear sir, there is no need to concern yourself, none in the world! Provision has been made, Sir Edmund — ample provision, and not, I trust I may say, in worldly goods alone!” The prospect of dilating further upon Lady Emberley ’ s benevolence seemed to exert a powerful effect upon the clergyman; his chest visibly expanded as he beamed again at his companions. “I surmise, sir, that with very proper modesty, and her customary delicacy of mind, Miss Radley has not thought it right to mention the matter to you. And to be sure, where betrothals are concerned, mum ’ s the word at a time of mourning!” He chuckled, evidently supposing himself to have uttered a witticism, and Sir Edmund, who was beginning to find him rather entertaining, noted with amusement that the expression on Miss Radley ’ s face was closer to sheer outrage than very proper modesty.
“However, sir,” continued the clergyman, “I collect that, although you and Elinor were related to Lady Emberley on different sides of her family, you, as the heir, may in some sort be regarded as the head of the family, so discussion of the matter is not altogether inappropriate. Indeed, it may be that I should apply to you for your approval!” This seemed to be another joke, for he chuckled again. “I trust, therefore, that I commit no solecism, sir, in informing you, in short, that Miss Radley is to become my wife!”
In short , Sir Edmund thought, was hardly an apt description for Mr. Spalding ’ s style of conversation, but after making this interesting announcement even he had to pause for breath, and perhaps for effect too. Miss Radley availed herself of the opportunity to say, mildly enough, “Never mind about applying to Sir Edmund! He is not related to me and I do think, you know, you might rather have applied to me first!”
“You mean he hasn ’ t?” asked Sir Edmund, diverted.
“Eh? What?” exclaimed the clergyman, momentarily — but only momentarily — taken aback. Next instant he had regained all his bland affability. “Ah, that is your modesty speaking, my dear Elinor, and very laudable too. But I am sure we need not stand on ceremony with Sir Edmund. After all, it is quite a settled thing!”
“Oh dear, I do wish you would disabuse yourself of that notion, Mr. Spalding,” said Elinor, vexed.
“Now, now, modesty is all very well, but there is no need to be missish !” remarked her suitor, a touch of impatience in his own voice. He addressed himself to Sir Edmund again. “While Lady Emberley was alive, of course, and in need of her cousin ’ s services and company, the case was quite different. Had the question arisen, I should have been the first to admit Lady Emberley ’ s prior claims! But now — ” here he turned to his intended bride again “ — now there can be no obstacle in the way of our union!”
Elinor sighed. “ Mr. Spalding, need we discuss this now?” she said hopefully. “It can hardly interest Sir Edmund.”
“On the contrary! On the contrary!” proclaimed Mr. Spalding, who seemed to have a distinct predilection for saying things twice. No doubt, thought Sir Edmund unkindly, the habit served to swell his sermons to the requisite length. “I apprehend that Sir Edmund, very properly, is concerned for your future.”
“Well, there is no need for anyone to be concerned for my future! It is entirely my own affair!” said Elinor, her indignation at last breaking through in a flash of temper. She composed herself again with an effort, and said, carefully, “Believe me, Mr. Spalding, I am truly sorry if there has been a misunderstanding, but it was never of my making. It may be that Lady Emberley led you to suppose I should accept an offer of marriage from you after her death, but I do feel I should point out that though you may think you have made me
“However, sir,” continued the clergyman, “I collect that, although you and Elinor were related to Lady Emberley on different sides of her family, you, as the heir, may in some sort be regarded as the head of the family, so discussion of the matter is not altogether inappropriate. Indeed, it may be that I should apply to you for your approval!” This seemed to be another joke, for he chuckled again. “I trust, therefore, that I commit no solecism, sir, in informing you, in short, that Miss Radley is to become my wife!”
In short , Sir Edmund thought, was hardly an apt description for Mr. Spalding ’ s style of conversation, but after making this interesting announcement even he had to pause for breath, and perhaps for effect too. Miss Radley availed herself of the opportunity to say, mildly enough, “Never mind about applying to Sir Edmund! He is not related to me and I do think, you know, you might rather have applied to me first!”
“You mean he hasn ’ t?” asked Sir Edmund, diverted.
“Eh? What?” exclaimed the clergyman, momentarily — but only momentarily — taken aback. Next instant he had regained all his bland affability. “Ah, that is your modesty speaking, my dear Elinor, and very laudable too. But I am sure we need not stand on ceremony with Sir Edmund. After all, it is quite a settled thing!”
“Oh dear, I do wish you would disabuse yourself of that notion, Mr. Spalding,” said Elinor, vexed.
“Now, now, modesty is all very well, but there is no need to be missish !” remarked her suitor, a touch of impatience in his own voice. He addressed himself to Sir Edmund again. “While Lady Emberley was alive, of course, and in need of her cousin ’ s services and company, the case was quite different. Had the question arisen, I should have been the first to admit Lady Emberley ’ s prior claims! But now — ” here he turned to his intended bride again “ — now there can be no obstacle in the way of our union!”
Elinor sighed. “ Mr. Spalding, need we discuss this now?” she said hopefully. “It can hardly interest Sir Edmund.”
“On the contrary! On the contrary!” proclaimed Mr. Spalding, who seemed to have a distinct predilection for saying things twice. No doubt, thought Sir Edmund unkindly, the habit served to swell his sermons to the requisite length. “I apprehend that Sir Edmund, very properly, is concerned for your future.”
“Well, there is no need for anyone to be concerned for my future! It is entirely my own affair!” said Elinor, her indignation at last breaking through in a flash of temper. She composed herself again with an effort, and said, carefully, “Believe me, Mr. Spalding, I am truly sorry if there has been a misunderstanding, but it was never of my making. It may be that Lady Emberley led you to suppose I should accept an offer of marriage from you after her death, but I do feel I should point out that though you may think you have made me
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