Besides, she had already discovered that the Colonel had a great esteem and growing affection for her; and, in short, she felt that if the blow could be softened by anybody, it was by her.
Her father objected that she would encounter a terrible trial, from which he could save her; but she entreated him, and he yielded to her entreaty, though against his judgment.
When this was settled, nothing remained but to execute it.
Then the woman came uppermost, and Grace procrastinated for one insufficient reason and another.
However, at last she resolved that the very next day she would ask John Baker to get her a private interview with Colonel Clifford in his study.
This resolution had not been long formed when that very John Baker tapped at Mr.Hope's door, and brought her a note from Colonel Clifford asking her if she could favor him with a visit in his study.
Grace said, "Yes, Mr.Baker, I will come directly." As soon as Baker was gone she began to bemoan her weak procrastination, and begged her father's pardon for her presumption in taking the matter out of his hands.

"You would not have put it off a day.

Now, see what I have done by my cowardice." Hope did not see what she had done, and the quick-witted young lady jumping at once at a conclusion, opened her eyes and said, "Why, don't you see?
Some other person has told him what it was so important he should hear first from me.

Ah! it is the same gentleman that came and warned me.

He has heard that we are actually married, for it is the talk of the place, and he told me she would punish him if he neglected her warning.