WaynfleteColeridge, Christabel R. (Christabel Rose)
General
Waynflete
Coleridge, Christabel R. (Christabel Rose)
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
"No, it isn't," said Florella, beginning to get up. "You're simply
flirting, and talking fine about it. But, I don't think Godfrey
Waynflete _is_ flirting, and you may find that the situation grows."
"Well! I'll see if I can grow up to it," said Constancy. "But you
know, in these days a girl like me is much more likely to flirt too
little than too much."
Godfrey appeared at the carriage door as they drove up to the Mill
House, full of hearty greetings, big, bright and boyish as ever, but
with a certain glow in face and manner which was unmistakable as
Constancy sprang out, and lifting Rawdie, kissed him between his eyes.
Guy stood behind, looking on with repressed amusement, for he had not
yet perceived that it was a "big situation." He acted host, and showman
to the mill. He was pale, but so self-contained and like himself that
Cuthbert could have thought the agitated confidence of the night before
had been a dream. But Florella felt quite sure of her surmise regarding
him, though he said no word to recall it to her.
Constancy had no intention but of spending another pleasant day in
studying the "other side of life," and in teasing her companions; but
she did not know with whom she had to deal. If Godfrey had been either
old enough to understand her, or timid enough to hesitate and lose his
chance, she might have appeared to "manage the situation." But he began
the day with a definite purpose, and laid his plans to suit it. The wet
weather was much against him, as he could not offer himself to her,
either when walking round the mill, or when sitting in the drawing-room,
with Cousin Susan acting hostess. He did not, however, mean to be
baffled, and while the whole party were listening to Guy's explanation
of the looms, as well as the noise they made permitted, he said to her,
with decision--
"I want you to come and see this," and as she complied, he led her
quickly out of the long, many-windowed room, where the hands were
working, into another where the great bales of wool were stored ready
for use.
The windows were wide open, with the wet air blowing through, there was
a strong smell of oily wool; but Godfrey, with a soft, persistent step,
led her round the piled-up bales, into a little open space between them.
The window looked across miles of misty, smoky country, and the
ceaseless roar of the machinery was softened by distance, so that they
could hear themselves speak.
"I don't see anything to look at here," said Constancy, "and I want to
understand how the weaving is done."
"There is nothing to see," said Godfrey. "I brought you here on purpose
to tell you something. I--I love you. I mean to work with all there is
of me to be worthy of you. I've only that one object in life, and I
shall never have another. I--I've thought you liked me a little. You
do--Constancy, don't you? You will, won't you? You know that I care
for nothing else in the world but you."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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