CHAPTER XXII.
THE GOVERNESS.
'Only a curate!' exclaimed Miss Gwynne, as she and Miss Hall were discussing Rowland's presumption the following morning.
'Still, a gentleman,' replied Miss Hall quietly.
'The son of one of my father's tenants; a farmer's son!' 'Still, a gentleman!' 'The ninety-ninth attempt on Glanyravon, and, happily, an unsuccessful one.' 'Perhaps the first sincere attempt to gain the heiress's heart, without any thought of her park and its broad acres.' 'I declare, Serena, _vous m'impatientez_.

I verily believe you are in his interest and confidence, and trying to plead his cause.' This was said with great excitement; the answer, however, was calm.
'Scarcely possible, if probable, because I was never alone with him in my life, and have rarely seen him except in your presence.' 'Then, why do you take up his defence?
You would not have me marry him, would you ?' 'Certainly not, for many reasons.

In the first place, you do not love him; in the second, your father would not approve of such a match; in the third, you are not suited to him.' 'I understand.

Not good enough.

But why do you defend him?
Do you think it was right of him to say what he did to me ?' 'Well, perhaps not.