He remained solemn to the point of
glumness. His thoughts were on Miss Bishop, who was somewhere here
in this very house in which they stood, but whom he had not seen
since his arrival. Had she but shown him some compassion....
And then the rasping voice of Willoughby cut in again, upbraiding
him for his hesitation, pointing out to him his incredible stupidity
in trifling with such a golden opportunity as this. He stiffened
and bowed.
"My lord, you are in the right. I am a fool. But don't be
accounting me an ingrate as well. If I have hesitated, it is
because there are considerations with which I will not trouble
your lordship."
"Apple-blossoms, I suppose?" sniffed his lordship.
This time Blood laughed, but there was still a lingering wistfulness
in his eyes.
"It shall be as you wish - and very gratefully, let me assure your
lordship. I shall know how to earn His Majesty's approbation. You
may depend upon my loyal service.
"If I didn't, I shouldn't offer you this governorship."
Thus it was settled.
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