[Lostlaby-win32] Ant to move; the fatigue he had for a time shaken off returned wit

[Benesch <ta...@oc...>]

F he did not approve our rule." Kit frowned, and colored when Grace
turned to him. On the whole, Osborn had not stated things incorrectly,
but the situation was embarrassing; Grace would, no doubt, resent the
stipulation he felt forced to make and expect a more lover-like attitude
from the man who asked her to be his wife. "Grace," he said appealingly,
"I'm afraid you don't understand. But when you must give up so much I
durst not hide the drawbacks. Besides, it's agreed that I must not urge
you." She studied him for a moment. "I do understand," she said, and
then turned to Osborn. "I suppose you are trying to guard me, but I am
not afraid. One gets tired of pretense and secret economy, and forced
idleness has not much charm. Well, if Mr. Askew, knowing what he knows
about us, is willing to run the risk--" "Grace!" said Kit, moving
forward, but she stopped him with a proud gesture. "There is a risk. I
think we shall both need courage, but if you are willing I need not
hesitate. I will try to make a good farmer's wife." She turned and went
away, and the blood came into Kit's face as he looked at Osborn. "I have
played fair, but it was hard. Now you have heard her answer, I'm at
liberty to plead my cause." Osborn said nothing, but his wife gave Kit a
friendly smile and he went off with a resolute step in pursuit of Grace.
He came up with her in a shrubbery, but it looked as if she did not hear
him, for her head was bent. "Grace," he said, putting his hand on her
arm. "I'm embarrassed and, in a way, ashamed." She turned and confronted
him with her wonted calm. "I don't see why you are ashamed. You were
just--I think I mean quite impartial. You wanted me to weigh things and
would have been resigned if I had found the drawbacks too much." "It
wasn't as easy as you think," said Kit grimly. "In fact, I was burning
with anger and suspense. But, you see, I had promis