Like an impetuous torrent the words burst out. He actually flung
himself on his knees before her.

"My beautiful, queenly, glorious Harriet! I love you as man never
loved woman before!"

Miss Hunsden stood aghast, staring, absolutely confounded. For one
instant she stood thus; then all was forgotten in her sense of the
ludicrous. She leaned against a tree, and set up a shout of laughter
long and clear.

"Oh, good gracious!" cried Miss Hunsden, as soon as she was able to
speak; "who ever heard the like of this? Sir Everard Kingsland, get
up. I forgive you everything for this superhuman joke. I haven't had
such a laugh for a month. For goodness' sake get up, and don't be a
goose!"

The young baronet sprung to his feet, furious with mortification and
rage.

"Miss Hunsden--"

"Oh, don't!" cried Harriet, in a second paroxysm. "Don't make me
rupture an artery. Love me?--worship me? Why, you ridiculous thing!
you haven't known me two days altogether!"

He turned away without speaking a word.

"And then you're engaged to Lady Louise! Every one says so, and I am
sure it looks like it."