Hannah was thoroughly self-possessed. Putting her parcels in Nora's
hands, she said: "Empty these in their boxes, dear, while I speak to Mr. Brudenell." Then
turning to the young man, she said: "Sir, your mother, I believe, has
asked to see me about some cloth she wishes to have woven. I am going
over to her now; will you go with me?"
"Certainly, Hannah," replied Mr. Brudenell, seizing his hat in nervous
trepidation, and forgetting or not venturing to bid good-by to Nora.
When they had got a little way from the hut, Hannah said: "Mr. Brudenell, why do you come to our poor little house so often?"
The question, though it was expected, was perplexing.
"Why do I come, Hannah? Why, because I like to."
"Because you like to! Quite a sufficient reason for a gentleman to
render for his actions, I suppose you think. But, now, another question:
'What are your intentions towards my sister?'"
"My intentions!" repeated the young man, in a thunderstruck manner.
"What in the world do you mean, Hannah?"
"I mean to remind you that you have been visiting Nora for the last two
months, and that to-day, when I entered the house, I found you sitting
together as lovers sit; looking at each other as lovers look; and
speaking in the low tones that lovers use; and when I reached you, you
started in confusion--as lovers do when discovered at their love-making.
Now I repeat my question, 'What are your intentions towards Nora
Worth?'"
Herman Brudenell was blushing now, if he had never blushed before; his
very brow was crimson. Hannah had to reiterate her question before his
hesitating tongue could answer it.
"My intentions, Hannah? Nothing wrong, I do swear to you! Heaven knows,
I mean no harm."
"I believe that, Mr. Brudenell! I have always believed it, else be sure
that I should have found means to compel your absence. But though you
might have meant no harm, did you mean any good, Mr. Brudenell?"
"Hannah, I fear that I meant nothing but to enjoy the great pleasure I
derived from--from--Nora's society, and--"
"Stop there, Mr. Brudenell; do not add--mine; for that would be an
insincerity unworthy of you! Of me you did not think, except as a
marplot! You say you came for the great pleasure you enjoyed in Nora's
society! Did it ever occur to you that she might learn to take too much
pleasure in yours? Answer me truly."