ion is," said he, speaking between his teeth, and hardly
pronouncing his words, "the question is whether you care for me."

"I do," said she turning round upon him; and as she did so our
Griselda took both his hands in hers. "I do, John. I do care for you.
I love you better than all the world besides. Whom else have I to
love at all? If you choose to think it mean of me, now that I am so
poor, I cannot help it. But who was it told me to be firm? Who was it
told me? Who was it told me?"

Lady Ball had lost her game, and Mrs Mackenzie had been a true
prophet. Mrs Mackenzie had been one of those prophets who knew how to
assist the accomplishment of their own prophecies, and Lady Ball had
played her game with very indifferent skill. Sir John endeavoured to
say a word as to that other alternative that he had to offer, but the
lamb was not lamb-like enough to listen to it. I doubt even whether
Margaret knew, when at night she thought over the affairs of the day,
that any such offer had been made to her. During the rest of the
interview she was by far the greatest talker, and she would not rest
till she had made him swear that he believed her when she said, that
both in rejecting him and accepting him, she had been guided simply
by her affection. "You know, John," she said, "a woman can't love a
man all at once."

They had been together for the best part of two hours, when Mrs
Mackenzie knocked at the door. "May I come in?"

"Oh, yes," said Margaret.

"And may I ask a question?" She knew by the tone of her cousin's
voice that no question could come amiss.

"You must ask him," said Margaret, coming to her and kissing her.

"But, first of all," said Mrs Mackenzie, shutting the door and
assuming a very serious countenance, "I have news of my own to tell.
There is a gentleman downstairs in the dining-room who has sent up
word that he wants to see me. He says he is a clergyman."

Then Sir John Ball ceased to smile, and look foolish, but doubled his
fist, and went towards the door.

"Who is it?" said Margaret, whispering.

"I have not heard his name, but from the servant's account of him I
have not much doubt myself; I suppose he comes from Littlebath. You
can go down to him, if you like, Sir John; but I would not advise
it."

"No," said Margaret, clinging to his arm, "you shall not go down.
What good can you do? He is beneath you. If you beat him he will have
the law of you--and he is a clergyman. If you do not, he wi