"And she's refused you?"
"Yes!"
"Mr. Dryland, it was a noble thing to do. I must tell Archibald."
"Oh, please don't, Mrs. Jackson! I don't want it to get about."
"Oh, but I shall. We can't let you hide your light under a bushel. Fancy
you proposing to that poor, dear girl! But it's just what I should have
expected of you. That's what I always say. The clergy are constantly
doing the most beautiful actions that no one hears anything about. You
ought to receive a moral Victoria Cross. I'm sure you deserve it far
more than that wicked and misguided young man."
"I don't think I ought to take any credit for what I've done," modestly
remonstrated the curate.
"It was a beautiful action. You don't know how much it means to that
poor, jilted girl."
"It's true my indignation was aroused at the heartless conduct of
Captain Parsons; but I have long loved her, Mrs. Jackson."
"I knew it; I knew it! When I saw you together I said to Archibald:
'What a good pair they'd make!' I'm sure you deserve her far more than
that worthless creature."
"I wish she thought so."
"I'll go and speak to her myself. I think she ought to accept you.
You've behaved like a knight-errant, Mr. Dryland. You're a true
Christian saint."
"Oh, Mrs. Jackson, you embarrass me!"
The news spread like wild-fire, and with it the opinion that the curate
had vastly distinguished himself. Neither pagan hero nor Christian
martyr could have acted more becomingly. The consideration which had
once been Jamie's was bodily transferred to Mr. Dryland. He was the man
of the hour, and the contemplation of his gallant deed made everyone
feel nobler, purer. The curate accepted with quiet satisfaction the
homage that was laid at his feet, modestly denying that he had done
anything out of the way. With James, all unconscious of what had
happened, he was mildly patronising; with Mary, tender, respectful,
subdued. If he had been an archbishop, he could not have behaved with
greater delicacy, manliness, and decorum.
"I don't care what anyone says," cried Mrs. Jackson, "I think he's worth
ten Captain Parsons! He's so modest and gentlemanly. Why, Captain
Parsons simply used to look bored when one told him he was brave."
"He's a conceited creature!"
But in Primpton House the proposal was met with consternation.
"Suppose she accepted him?" said Colonel Parsons, anxiously.
"She'd never do that."
Major Forsyth suggested that James should be told, in the belief that
his jealousy would be excited.
"I'll tell him," said Mrs. Parsons.
She waited till she was alone with her son, and then, without stopping
her needlework, said suddenly:
"James, have you heard that Mr. Dryland has proposed to Mary?"