Brother and sister were profuse in their thanks; they expressed the
deepest gratitude to Lord and Lady Ridsdale; they professed themselves
overcome with benefits. Lord Ridsdale received all these thanks with
great complacency, feeling that he deserved them. Lady Ridsdale's
impression was:
"I am glad they are gone, though I do not like to interfere in Marion's
affairs. I shall certainly advise her to drop that acquaintance as soon
as she can."
Allan bade Marion "good-bye." His last words to her were:
"I shall not seek to correspond with you clandestinely--nothing but the
fervor of my love can possibly excuse my having met you as I did. I
loved you, so I forgot prudence, ceremony, etiquette, and all. But,
Marion, you will remember that you are my promised wife."
She shrank back at the words. It was the greatest relief to her when
they went; it was as though some dark, brooding presence was removed
from the castle.
CHAPTER XI.
More than once was Marion Arleigh tempted to break that solemn promise,
and tell all to Lady Ridsdale. She longed to do so--the fact of being
blamed would not prevent her, she felt that she deserved it--but she was
one of those who are most scrupulous in keeping a promise once given. Of
one thing she was quite resolved--she would write to Allan and tell him
this clandestine engagement must come to an end. She could not bear the
burden of the secret any longer, neither could she possibly fulfil the
contract.
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