When they had entered upon the willow-stretch, where the trees had
already scattered upon the ground their first tribute of narrow golden
leaves, the younger man came to the end of his meditations, straightened
himself in his seat, and spoke: "Let it be as you said about the country parish; if you can get it for
me, I'll be ready for it."
Professor Valeyon's face, which had been somewhat overcast, cleared
beautifully; he appealed to Dolly's sympathies with a flick of the whip,
to which she responded with a knowing shake of the head, and a
refreshing increase of speed.
"That's well, my dear boy," said he. "I respect you."
"I'm not the only one concerned," continued Bressant, who still sat in
the same position, with folded arms; "it involves about as much for Mrs.
Vanderplanck as for me. I shall have to consider that point, and attend
to it first of all."
"To tell you the truth," returned Professor Valeyon, with an emphatic
deliberation of manner, "I don't think you can give her any information
that she's not possessed of already. She knows as much as you do, that's
certain. You'll do well to begin business nearer home than at Mrs.
Vanderplanck's."
Bressant lifted one hand to his beard, which he twisted about
unmercifully. "It's only since Cornelia came back that you have thought
that," he said, at length, with sudden keenness.
The old gentleman nodded, and met steadily the rapid glance which the
other gave him.
"At all events," the latter resumed presently, "she don't know that I
know, and she don't know what I intend. It's not a pleasant business,
altogether--understand? You know how I've been brought up. It isn't so
easy for me to fall into the right sentiments as it might be for other
men. And--I feel it to be a private matter; I ought to go about it
alone, and in my own way. Now"--here he turned around, and changed his
tone, watching the professor's countenance as he spoke, "are you willing
to leave it entirely in my hands?--promise not to question me, nor to
speak to me, nor to anybody else, until it's all settled?"
"More than willing, my dear boy! more than satisfied; you shall have a
clear field, that's certain. I sha'n't do any thing--sha'n't say a word,
meanwhile; shall wait with perfect confidence till you're ready to
report, whenever and however you please."
"I should like to make you a present on my wedding-day, in return for
the parish, you know. Will that be soon enough?" and the young man met
the elder's eye with a sharp look of significance.
"No more fitting time, no more fitting time," replied Professor Valeyon.
The old gentleman's heart was full; he shifted the reins to his right
hand, and laid his left upon Bressant's, which he pressed with much
feeling. Perhaps it was of bad omen thus to seal a bargain with the left
hand, but no misgivings of the sort troubled the professor. He felt more
at ease than at any time since his pupil first sprang up the steps of
the Parsonage-porch.