‘I want you,’ said Mr Broune, very quietly.

’Ah,—­that is so kind of you.  There is nothing makes one so good as goodness;—­nothing binds your friend to you so firmly as the acceptance from him of friendly actions.  You say you want me, because I have so sadly wanted you.  When I go you will simply miss an almost daily trouble, but where shall I find a friend?’

’When I said I wanted you, I meant more than that, Lady Carbury.  Two or three months ago I asked you to be my wife.  You declined, chiefly, if I understood you rightly, because of your son’s position.  That has been altered, and therefore I ask you again.  I have quite convinced myself,—­not without some doubts, for...