CHAP. XIX.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE DRAWING-ROOM AT DARLISTON.

Saturday, April 17th.-Heavy rain fell while I was dressing this morning, and I could not but feel anxiety lest it should continue and hinder Mr. Grey's visit, or render more difficult our passage over the rocks to Darliston. However, it cleared while I was at breakfast, and I felt altogether cheered by a burst of sunshine. I felt naturally an inclination to make some change in my ordinary morning costume, but dared not deviate from it in any marked degree. New violet-coloured gloves and fresh white strings to my bonnet I thought I might venture on, and with these I was fortunately provided.

Mr. Grey appeared some minutes before ten o'clock. I did not waste time in a long story, but told him at once that I was requested to ask his immediate services for a private marriage, and desired to know if he were willing to attend. He was much surprised of course, but said he could not object to perform the ceremony provided the parties were of age, or had the sanction of their parents. He did not like private marriages, but if there were sufficient necessity

when he had come to my house the previous evening, but certainly bore stronger marks of care than suited well with his character as a bridegroom.

"I fear, sir, this is a very hurried proceeding," said Mr. Grey. "I do not like taking part in an event of this nature where time has not been given for thought, for due consideration of what is undertaken."

Mr. Mainwaring was offering me his arm to assist me up the ascent. I declined, begging he would go forward and guide Mr. Grey. "He does not know the rocks so well as I do," I said; "and I think he wishes to talk to you."

So they proceeded a little in advance; Mr. Grey evidently inclined to remonstrate; Mr. Mainwaring saying but little, yet it seemed that little told; for I could see, as we descended the rocks on the Darliston side, that the good clergyman was rather better satisfied. I could tell this partly by an improved cordiality in his manner towards myself, who I much inclined to fear he before mistook for a romantic simpleton revelling in a mystery.

No men stirring about the farm buildings, no servants to be seen in the lower part of the house; only the old squire sitting in the parlour, dressed precisely as usual, with a certain quaker neatness and quaintness of attire. came forward, and said

He

I really do not know how far I succeeded in this endeavour, and believe the good gentleman was considerably bewildered when we arrived at the gate of the croft. He knew, however, that Helen Dalziel was to be united to Mr. Mainwaring, and that their knowledge of each other was very slight. I did not think it expedient to speak of Mr. Mainwaring's embarrassments, but was strong on the point that the relatives on both sides were desirous of the union, and that the principals to the contract assented freely.

I had hardly thought who was to meet us at the gate, and was a little surprised to see Mr. Mainwaring there. He looked calmer than

for my Helen would have none else to tackle her unless it were the bishop. Mainwaring, Mr. Ainslie will be ready for us directly. That daughter of his is a jewel; she's a relation you may be proud of, Mrs. Gainsborough; sat up half the night helping her father better than any clerk, and now she's here making Helen believe she will come out quite fine as a bride, in an old white frock and a new lace veil."

Mr. Grey perhaps saw that Mr. Wainwright did not intend to enter upon the more serious questions appertaining to the marriage: he broke in here, saying, "Mr. Wainwright, I have come in compliance with Mrs. Gainsborough's request; but I decidedly object to be the means of binding together these young persons in so sacred an ordinance, without conviction that

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