The Bishop's Secret by Hume Fergus W

Author:Hume, Fergus W. [Hume, Fergus W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Classics
ISBN: 9788132041504
Amazon: 813204150X
Goodreads: 7567835
Publisher: Tutis Digital Pub
Published: 1900-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XXII. MR MOSK IS INDISCREET

While the bishop was conversing with Miss Whichello about the engagement of George and Mab, the young people themselves were discussing the self-same subject with much ardour. Captain Pendle had placed two chairs near a quick-set hedge, beyond the hearing of other guests, and on these he and Mab were seated as closely as was possible without attracting the eyes of onlookers. Their attitude and actions were guarded and indifferent for the misleading of the company, but their conversation, not being likely to be overheard, was confidential and lover-like enough. No spectator from casual observation could have guessed their secret.

‘You must tell your father about our engagement at once,’ said Mab, with decision. ‘He should have known of it before I consented to wear this ring.’

‘I’ll tell him to-morrow, dearest, although I am sorry that Lucy and the mater are not here to support me.’

‘But you don’t think that he will object to me, George?’

‘I—should—think—not!’ replied Captain Pendle, smiling at the very idea; ‘object to have the prettiest daughter-in-law in the county. You don’t know what an eye for beauty the bishop has.’

‘If you are so sure of his consent I wonder you did not tell him before,’ pouted Mab. ‘Aunty has been very angry at my keeping our engagement secret.’

‘Darling, you know it isn’t a secret. We told Cargrim, and when he is aware of it the whole town is. I didn’t want to tell my father until I was sure you would marry me.’

‘You have been sure of that for a long time.’

‘In a sort of way,’ asserted Captain Pendle; ‘but I was not absolutely certain until I placed a ring on that pretty hand. Now I’ll tell my father, get his episcopalian benediction, and wire the news to Lucy and the mater. We shall be married in spring. Miss Whichello will be the bridesmaid, and all will be hay and sunshine.’

‘What nonsense you talk, George!’

‘I’d do more than talk nonsense if the eyes of Europe were not on us. Mother Jael is telling fortunes in that tent, my fairy queen, so let us go in and question her about the future. Besides,’ added George, with an insinuating smile, ‘I don’t suppose she would mind if I gave you one kiss.’

Mab laughed and shook her head. ‘You will have to dispense with both kiss and fortune for the present,’ said she, ‘for your father has this moment gone into the tent.’

‘What! is Saul also among the prophets?’ cried George, with uplifted eyebrows. ‘Won’t there be a shine in the tents of Shem when it is published abroad that Bishop Pendle has patronised the Witch of Endor. I wonder what he wants to know. Surely the scroll of his fortune is made up.’

‘George,’ said Mab, gravely, ‘your father has been much worried lately.’

‘About what? By whom?’

‘I don’t know, but he looks worried.’

‘Oh, he is fidgeting because my mother is away; he always fusses about her health like a hen with one chick.’

‘Be more respectful, my dear,’ corrected Mab, demurely.

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