"Not at all," I answered. "It makes me feel happy to be going freely about house again, and helping in household matters. If I only had my wheel, I should feel myself quite at home." "So would I have you feel," said Walter, earnestly. "I would have you look upon this house as your home, and my mother as your mother. All that I have to give is yours if you will but take it. Margaret, will you be my wife, and a daughter to my mother?" I hardly know what I said, but he went on speaking. "I am not a fit mate for you in many respects," said he. "You are a fresh young maid, and I am a middle-aged man, worn and browned by much travel, and many wars by sea and land—too grave and sober, mayhap, to please a maiden's fancy, but I love you, and I believe, with God's blessing, I can make you happy!" "And your mother—and your friends—and my Lord!" I stammered. "My mother will be well-pleased with what pleases me, and she also loves you for your own sake," he rejoined. "As for my Lord, it is no concern of his that I know of!" "But as the head of your house and family," I said. "He is no more the head of my family than I am of his!" was Mr. Corbet's reply. "For the matter of that, the house of Corbet is older than that of Stanton, and lived on their own lands when the Stantons were unheard of. Don't you know the rhyme: "'Corby of Corby sat at home, When Stanton of Stanton hither did come.' "'Tis true, I am the next heir to the title at present, but I covet it not, and should rejoice heartily if my Lady had half a dozen boys to-morrow." "So would not I," I could not help saying. "One would be quite enough!" "Well, perhaps so. But, at all events, Margaret, I owe no duty to my Lord, in that respect." I cannot tell all he said, but at last he made me confess that I loved him. "Good!" said he, kissing my hand. "That is all I ask or need. And now, when shall we be married?" I felt my face flush like fire. "Not for a long time yet!" I answered him: "I have solemnly promised my dear Lady to stay with Lady Betty for at least a year, unless I am turned away, and I do not think that will happen, for from something my Lord let fall, I know he has promised my Lady not to interfere." Walter looked annoyed, and his brow darkened. "When was this promise made?" he asked. I told him it was at the time of the affair with Mr. Penrose. "But my cousin would surely release you in such a case as this!" said Walter. "She is the most unselfish of mortals." "I suppose she would, and therefore she must not ever be asked to do so," I replied. "I know well my duty to her and to Betty, and I should feel that I was making an ill-beginning, should I fail in that regard." "But do you not also owe something to me?" he asked.