Bentley about the
book he was reading, he suggested that she should come with him to the
meet. The Harriers met for the first time that season at not five miles
from Ashwood. Mrs. Bentley pleaded an engagement. She had promised to go
over to tea at the rectory.
'Oh, we shall be back in plenty of time; I'll leave you at the rectory on
our way home.'
'Thank you, Mr. Price; but I do not think I can go.'
'And why, may I ask?'
'Well, perhaps Emily would like to go.'
'Emily has a cold, and it would be folly of her to venture a long drive on
a cold morning.'
'My cold is quite well.'
'You were complaining before dinner how bad it was.'
'If you don't want to take me, say so.' Tears were now streaming down her
cheeks.
'My dear Emily, I am only too pleased to have you with me; I was only
thinking of your cold.'
'My cold is quite gone,' she said, with brightening face; and next morning
she came down with her waterproof on her arm, and she had on a new cloth
dress which she had just received from London. Hubert recognised in each
article of attire a sign that she was determined to carry her point. It
seemed cruel to tell her to take her things off, and he glanced at Mrs.
Bentley and wondered if she were offended.
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