_Thursday night._
Robert came to see me at twelve, and he brought me the loveliest, splendid
diamond and emerald ring, and I danced about like a child with delight
over it. He has the most exquisite sentiment, Robert--every little trifle
has some delicate meaning, and he makes me _feel_ and _feel_.
Each hour we spend together we seem to discover some new bit of us which
is just what the other wants. And he is so deliciously jealous and
masterful and--oh, I love him--so there it is!
I am learning a lot of things, and I am sure there are lots to learn
still.
At half-past one Lady Merrenden came and fetched us in the barouche, and
off we went to Vavasour House, with what different feelings to last
evening!
The pompous servants received us in state, and we all three walked on to
the duke's room.
There he was, still huddled in his chair, but he got up--he is better
to-day.
Lady Merrenden went over and kissed him.
"Dear Torquilstone," she said.
"Morning, Robert," he mumbled, after he had greeted his aunt. "Introduce
me to your fiancée."
And Robert did, with great ceremony.
"Now, I won't call you names any more," I said, and I laughed in his face.
He bent down and kissed my forehead.
"You are a beautiful tiger-cat," he said; "but even a year of you would be
well worth while."
Upon which Robert glared, and I laughed again, and we all went in to
lunch.
He is not so bad, the duke, after all.