"It's only since Cornelia came back that you have thought
that," he said, at length, with sudden keenness.
The old gentleman nodded, and met steadily the rapid glance which the
other gave him.
"At all events," the latter resumed presently, "she don't know that I
know, and she don't know what I intend. It's not a pleasant business,
altogether--understand? You know how I've been brought up. It isn't so
easy for me to fall into the right sentiments as it might be for other
men. And--I feel it to be a private matter; I ought to go about it
alone, and in my own way. Now"--here he turned around, and changed his
tone, watching the professor's countenance as he spoke, "are you willing
to leave it entirely in my hands?--promise not to question me, nor to
speak to me, nor to anybody else, until it's all settled?"
"More than willing, my dear boy! more than satisfied; you shall have a
clear field, that's certain. I sha'n't do any thing--sha'n't say a word,
meanwhile; shall wait with perfect confidence till you're ready to
report, whenever and however you please."
"I should like to make you a present on my wedding-day, in return for
the parish, you know. Will that be soon enough?" and the young man met
the elder's eye with a sharp look of significance.
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