Mr. Charles Forsyth, he took the first opportunity of making his bow and his exit.
"Poor young man, how well he has behaved!" said the mother.
"I knew he would'nt take it much to heart,” answered the father.
As Cecil passed through the hall, he heard Elizabeth’s voice tuned to rather a petulant key.
"In spite of all mamma says about feeling, and papa about principle, and you with your devoted affection to one object, I can't see the great harm of a little innocent flirtation—Mr. Forrester won’t break his heart for passing an evening more pleasantly than he would otherwise have done; and if I had not flirted with him, Charles Forsyth, though he is the son of my father's old friend, would not have made his offer these six months—and one cannot wait for ever, you know."
"Very true," muttered Cecil Forrester, as the hall-door was closed after him. That evening he wrote to his uncle; and passed the intermediate time in cutting his name on the table, and wondering what would be the reply. He received an answer by return of post—angry and yet kind, requesting his immediate presence in town. He made a farewell call at Mr. Temple's—saw Elizabeth and Mr.Charles Forsyth in an arbour at the end of the garden, making love—thought they would soon be very tired—and bade the rest of the family goodbye, who thought he looked pale. Mrs. Temple for
