We came back across the fields to tea at Mrs.Jessop's.It was John's custom to go there almost every evening;though certainly he could not be said to "go a-courting."Nothing could be more unlike it than his demeanour,or indeed the demeanour of both.They were very quiet lovers,never making much of one another "before folk."No whispering in corners,or stealing away down garden walks.No public show of caresses--caresses whose very sweetness must consist in their entire sacredness;at least,_I_should think so.No coquettish exactions,no testing of either's power over the other,in those perilous small quarrels which may be the renewal of passion,but are the death of true love.
No,our young couple were well-behaved always.She sat at her work,and he made himself generally pleasant,falling in kindly to the Jessop's household ways.But whatever he was about,at Ursula's lightest movement,at the least sound of her voice,I could see him lift a quiet glance,as if always conscious of her presence;her who was the delight of his eyes.
To-night,more than ever before,this soft,invisible link seemed to be drawn closer between them,though they spoke little together,and even sat at opposite sides of the table;but whenever their looks met,one could trace a soft,smiling interchange,full of trust,and peace,and joy.He had evidently told her all that had happened to-day,and she was satisfied.
More,perhaps,than I was;for I knew how little John would have to live upon besides what means his wife brought him;but that was their own affair,and I had no business to make public my doubts or fears.
We all sat round the tea-table,talking gaily together,and then John left us,reluctantly enough;but he always made a point of going to the tan-yard for an hour or two,in my father's stead,every evening.
Ursula let him out at the front door;this was her right,silently claimed,which nobody either jested at or interfered with.
When she returned,and perhaps she had been away a minute or two longer than was absolutely necessary,there was a wonderful brightness on her young face;though she listened with a degree of attention,most creditable in its gravity,to a long dissertation of Mrs.Jessop's on the best and cheapest way of making jam and pickles.
"You know,my dear,you ought to begin and learn all about such things now.""Yes,"said Miss March,with a little droop of the head.
"I assure you"--turning to me--"she comes every day into the kitchen--never mind,my dear,one can say anything to Mr.Fletcher.And what lady need be ashamed of knowing how a dinner is cooked and a household kept in order?""Nay,she should rather be proud;I know John thinks so."At this answer of mine Ursula half smiled:but there was a colour in her cheek,and a thoughtfulness in her eyes,deeper than any that our conversation warranted or occasioned.I was planning how to divert Mrs.Jessop from the subject,when it was broken at once by a sudden entrance,which startled us all like a flash of lightning.
"Stole away!stole away!as my husband would say.Here have I come in the dusk,all through the streets to Dr.Jessop's very door.How is she?where is she,ma petite!""Caroline!"
"Ah!come forward.I haven't seen you for an age."And Lady Caroline kissed her on both cheeks in her lively French fashion,which Ursula received patiently,and returned--no,I will not be certain whether she returned it or not.
"Pardon--how do you do,Mrs.Jessop,my dear woman?What trouble Ihave had in coming!Are you not glad to see me,Ursula?""Yes,very."In that sincere voice which never either falsified or exaggerated a syllable.
"Did you ever expect to see me again?"
"No,certainly I did not.And I would almost rather not see you now,if--""If Richard Brithwood did not approve of it?Bah!what notions you always had of marital supremacy.So,ma chere,you are going to be married yourself,I hear?""Yes."
"Why,how quietly you seem to take it!The news perfectly electrified me this morning.I always said that young man was 'un heros de romans!'Ma foi!this is the prettiest little episode Iever heard of.Just King Cophetua and the beggar-maid--only reversed.How do you feel,my Queen Cophetua?""I do not quite understand you,Caroline."
"Neither should I you,for the tale seems incredible.Only you gave me such an honest 'yes,'and I know you never tell even white lies.
But it can't be true;at least,not certain.A little affaire de coeur,maybe--ah!I had several before I was twenty--very pleasant,chivalrous,romantic,and all that;and such a brave young fellow,too!Helas!love is sweet at your age!"--with a little sigh--"but marriage!My dear child,you are not surely promised to this youth?""I am."
"How sharply you say it!Nay,don't be angry.I liked him greatly.
A very pretty fellow.But then he belongs to the people.""So do I."