Sylvia's Lovers

It was settled at length that Philip was to remove to the house

belonging to the shop, Coulson remaining with Alice and her

daughter. But in the course of the summer the latter told his

partner that he had offered marriage to Hester on the previous day,

and been refused. It was an awkward affair altogether, as he lived

in their house, and was in daily companionship with Hester, who,

however, seemed to preserve her gentle calmness, with only a tinge

more of reserve in her manner to Coulson.

'I wish yo' could find out what she has again' me, Philip,' said

Coulson, about a fortnight after he had made the proposal. The poor

young man thought that Hester's composure of manner towards him

since the event argued that he was not distasteful to her; and as he

was now on very happy terms with Philip, he came constantly to him,

as if the latter could interpret the meaning of all the little

occurrences between him and his beloved. 'I'm o' right age, not two

months betwixt us; and there's few in Monkshaven as would think on

her wi' better prospects than me; and she knows my folks; we're kind

o' cousins, in fact; and I'd be like a son to her mother; and

there's noane i' Monkshaven as can speak again' my character.

There's nought between yo' and her, is there, Philip?' 'I ha' telled thee many a time that she and me is like brother and

sister. She's no more thought on me nor I have for her. So be

content wi't, for I'se not tell thee again.' 'Don't be vexed, Philip; if thou knew what it was to be in love,

thou'd be always fancying things, just as I am.' 'I might be,' said Philip; 'but I dunnut think I should be always

talking about my fancies.' 'I wunnot talk any more after this once, if thou'll just find out

fra' thysel', as it were, what it is she has again' me. I'd go to

chapel for iver with her, if that's what she wants. Just ask her,

Philip.' 'It's an awkward thing for me to be melling wi',' said Hepburn,

reluctantly.

'But thou said thee and she were like brother and sister; and a

brother would ask a sister, and niver think twice about it.' 'Well, well,' replied Philip, 'I'll see what I can do; but, lad, I

dunnot think she'll have thee. She doesn't fancy thee, and fancy is

three parts o' love, if reason is t' other fourth.' But somehow Philip could not begin on the subject with Hester. He

did not know why, except that, as he said, 'it was so awkward.' But

he really liked Coulson so much as to be anxious to do what the

latter wished, although he was almost convinced that it would be of

no use. So he watched his opportunity, and found Alice alone and at

leisure one Sunday evening.