But Mr Gibson was quite ignorant of the attraction which Cynthia had had for the young man.If he had perceived it he would have nipped it in the bud pretty quickly, for he had no notion of any girl, even though only partially engaged to one man, receiving offers from others if a little plain speaking could prevent it.Mr Coxe had asked for a private interview;they were sitting in the old surgery, now called the consulting-room, but still retaining so much of its former self as to be the last place in which Mr Coxe could feel himself at case.He was red up to me very roots of his red Hair, and kept turning his glossy new hat round and round in his fingers, unable to find out the proper way of beginning his sentence, so at length he plunged in, grammar or no grammar.'Mr Gibson, I daresay you'll be surprised, I'm sure I am at - at what Iwant to say; but I think it's the part of an honourable man, as you said yourself, sir, a year or two ago, to - to speak to the father first, and as you, sir, stand in the place of a father to Miss Kirkpatrick, I should like to express my feelings, my hopes, or perhaps I should say wishes, in short -- ' 'Miss Kirkpatrick?' said Mr Gibson, a good deal surprised.'Yes, sir!' continued Mr Coxe, rushing on now he had got so far.'I know it may appear inconstant and changeable, but I do assure you, I came here with a heart as faithful to your daughter, as ever beat in a man's bosom.
I most fully intended to offer myself and all that I had to her acceptance before I left; but really, sir, if you had seen her manner to me every time I endeavoured to press my suit a little - it was more than coy, it was absolutely repellent, there could be no mistaking it, - while Miss Kirkpatrick -- ' he looked modestly down, and smoothed the nap of his hat, smiling a little while he did SO.'While Miss Kirkpatrick -- ?' repeated Mr Gibson, in such a stern voice, that Mr Coxe, landed esquire as he was now, felt as much discomfited as he used to do when he was an apprentice, and Mr Gibson had spoken to him in a similar manner.'I was only going to say, sir, that so far as one can judge from manner, and willingness to listen, and apparent pleasure in my visits - altogether I think I may venture to hope that Miss Kirkpatrick is not quite indifferent to me, - and I would wait, - you have no objection, have you, sir, to my speaking to her, I mean?' said Mr Coxe, a little anxious at the expression on Mr Gibson's face.'I do assure you I have not a chance with Miss Gibson,'
he continued, not knowing what to say, and fancying that his inconstancy was rankling in Mr Gibson's mind.'No! I don't suppose you have.Don't go and fancy it is that which is annoying me.You're mistaken about Miss Kirkpatrick, however.I don't believe she could ever have meant to give you encouragement!' Mr Coxe's face grew perceptibly paler.His feelings, if evanescent, were evidently strong.'I think, sir, if you could have seen her - I don't consider myself vain, and manner is so difficult to describe.At any rate, you can have no objection to my taking my chance, and speaking to her.' 'Of course, if you won't be convinced otherwise, I can have no objection.
But if you'll take my advice, you will spare yourself the pain of a refusal.
I may, perhaps, be trenching on confidence, but I think I ought to tell you that her affections are otherwise engaged.' 'It cannot be!' said Mr Coxe.'Mr Gibson, there must be some mistake.Ihave gone as far as I dared iii expressing my feelings, and her manner has been most gracious.I don't think she could have misunderstood my meaning.
Perhaps she has changed her mind? It is possible that, after consideration, she has learnt to prefer another, is it not?' 'By "another," you mean yourself, I suppose.I can believe in such inconstancy'
(he could not help, in his own mind, giving a slight sneer at the instance before him), 'but I should be very sorry to think that Miss Kirkpatrick could be guilty of it.' 'But she may - it is a chance.Will you allow me to see her?' 'Certainly, my poor fellow' - for, intermingled with a little contempt, was a good deal of respect for the simplicity, the unworldliness, the strength of feeling, even though the feeling was evanescent - 'I will send her to you directly.' 'Thank you, sir.God bless you for a kind friend!' Mr Gibson went upstairs to the drawing-room, where he was pretty sure he should find Cynthia.There she was' as bright and careless as usual, making up a bonnet for her mother, and chattering to Molly as she worked.'Cynthia, you will oblige me by going down into my consulting-room at once.
Mr Coxe wants to speak to you!' 'Mr Coxe?' said Cynthia.'What can he want with me?' Evidently, she answered her own question as soon as it was asked, for she coloured, and avoided meeting Mr Gibson's severe, uncompromising look.
As soon as she had left the room, Mr Gibson sate down, and took up a new Edinburgh lying on the table, as an excuse for conversation.Was there anything in the article that made him say, after a minute or two, to Molly, who sate silent and wondering, - "Molly, you must never trifle with the love of an honest man.You don't know what pain you may give." Presently Cynthia came back into the drawing-room, looking very much confused.