There was a difficulty--an _undefined_ difficulty--about letting us go that
day; but on a future one--soon--_very_ soon--he would be most happy.
Well, there was an end of that little project, for to-day at least; and
Cousin Monica was too well-bred to urge it beyond a certain point.
'Milly, my dear, will you put on your hat and show me the grounds about the
house? May she, Silas? I should like to renew my acquaintance.'
'You'll see them sadly neglected, Monnie. A poor man's pleasure grounds
must rely on Nature, and trust to her for effects. Where there is fine
timber, however, and abundance of slope, and rock, and hollow, we sometimes
gain in picturesqueness what we lose by neglect in luxury.'
Then, as Cousin Monica said she would cross the grounds by a path, and meet
her carriage at a point to which we would accompany her, and so make her
way home, she took leave of Uncle Silas; a ceremony whereat--without, I
thought, much zeal at either side--a kiss took place.
'Now, girls!' said Cousin Knollys, when we were fairly in motion over the
grass, 'what do you say--will he let you come--yes or no? I can't say, but
I think, dear,'--this to Milly--' he ought to let you see a little more of
the world than appears among the glens and bushes of Bartram.
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