In London she met her mother,--as to which meeting there had been
some doubt,--and underwent the tortures of a close examination. She
had thought it prudent on this occasion to tell her mother
something, but not to tell anything quite truly. "He has proposed
to me," she said.
"He has!" said Lady Augustus, holding up her hands almost in awe.
"Is there anything so wonderful in that?"
"Then it is all arranged. Does the Duke know it?"
"It is not all arranged by any means, and the Duke does know it.
Now, mamma, after that I must decline to answer any more questions.
I have done this all myself, and I mean to continue it in the same
way."
"Did he speak to the Duke? You will tell me that."
"I will tell you nothing."
"You will drive me mad, Arabella."
"That will be better than your driving me mad just at present. You
ought to feel that I have a great deal to think of."
"And have not I?"
"You can't help me;--not at present."
"But he did propose,--in absolute words?"
"Mamma, what a goose you are! Do you suppose that men do it all now
just as it is done in books? 'Miss Arabella Trefoil, will you do
me the honour to become my wife?' Do you think that Lord Rufford
would ask the question in that way?"
"It is a very good way."
"Any way is a good way that answers the purpose.
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