We will say no more of that. I kept my secret,
you kept yours. Mischief unspeakable well-nigh came of all this underhand
work. But heaven has been merciful to us. We have passed through the
valley of the shadow of death; and if anything could make my wife dearer
to me than she was when first I won her promise to be mine, it would be
the sorrow of the last few months. And now I will go and shake hands with
Lenoble, my wife's kinsman. He is a fine fellow, and well deserves his
good fortune. Stay; one word. Did Diana know this? did she know that her
lover is heir to the Haygarth estate?"
"She does not know it now. She has never heard the name of Haygarth. And,
between you and me, Val, it cost me a world of trouble to persuade her to
say yes to Lenoble's offer, though he is a very decent match for her,
even without reference to the Haygarth estate."
"I am glad she knew nothing of this," said Valentine; "I am very glad."
After this he again shook hands with Captain Paget, at that gentleman's
request, and the Captain expressed himself much relieved by the
conversation, and by his late protege's very generous behaviour. He
called to his daughter and the rest presently, and they came at his
summons.
"Is your long talk finished, papa?" asked Diana.
"And is the secret told?" demanded Charlotte of her obedient husband
and slave.
"Yes, dear, it is told," he answered gravely.
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