against it. An engagement at your age would be totally rash and unjustifiable; and moreover, alliances between first cousins are undesirable. Make up your mind to a brief disappointment. Life is full of them. We have all got to be broken in; and this is a mild beginning for you."
"No, not mild. I can’t bear it. I shall be good for nothing. I shouldn’t mind anything, if it were settled between us. I could do anything then," said Rex, impetuously. "But it’s of no use to pretend that I will obey you. I can't do it. If I said I would, I should be sure to break my word. I should see Gwendolen again."
"Well, wait till to-morrow morning that we may talk of the matter again—you will promise me that," said Mr Gascoigne, quietly; and Rex did not, could not refuse.
The Rector did not even tell his wife that he had any other reason for going to Offendene that evening than his desire to ascertain that Gwendolen had got home safely. He found her more than safe—elated. Mr Quallon, who had won the brush, had delivered the trophy to her, and she had brought it before her, fastened on the saddle; more than that. Lord Brackenshaw had conducted her home, and had shown himself delighted with her spirited riding. All this was told at once to
