She had been much in doubt whether her aunt had or had not believed
her. That the belief was not a thorough belief she was almost
certain. But then there was the great fact that after the story had
been told she had been sent out to dinner leaning on Lord Rufford's
arm. Unless her aunt had believed something that would not have
taken place. And then so much of it was true. Surely it would be
impossible that he should not propose after what had occurred! Her
aunt was evidently alive to the advantage of the marriage, to the
advantage which would accrue not to her, Arabella, individually,
but to the Trefoils generally. She almost thought that her aunt
would not put spokes in her wheel for this day. She wished now that
she had told her aunt that she intended to hunt, so that there need
not be any surprise.
She slept again and again looked out of the window. It rained a
little but still there were hours in which the rain might cease.
Again she slept and at eight her maid brought her word that there
would be hunting. It did rain a little but very little. Of course
she would dress herself in riding attire.
At nine o'clock she walked into the breakfast parlour properly
equipped for the day's sport. There were four or five men there in
red coats and top boots, among whom Lord Rufford was conspicuous.
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