Читать книгу Charles Peace, or The Adventures of a Notorious Burglar онлайн

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She conducted him into the front parlour, closed the door, and sat herself down in one of the arm-chairs, motioning her visitor to be seated in another.

“My dear Mrs. Maitland,” said Gatliffe. “It is indeed a subject of most serious import, as regards my own happiness, which has occasioned me to seek you. For a long time past I have been attached to your daughter—​possibly you might have guessed this.”

The widow nodded.

“Ah, as I supposed.”

“And Aveline?”

“I have told her all—​told her that a great golden blaze of light seemed to fall upon me when I first beheld her. I love her and have avowed my love. She bade me seek you—​bade me ask your consent. That is why I am here.”

“I see and comprehend most fully. You love one another. Well, Mr. Gatliffe, you are not the first man who has been struck with Aveline—​but let that pass. I esteem and respect you, and, as far as I am concerned, there will be no impediment in the way.”

“I think you too worthy a fellow to offer any objection to—​you have my consent. As far as that is concerned, consider the matter settled. But there are other considerations,” she added, in a more serious tone.