Part 28 (2/2)
”I saw him. I am glad; I want a few words with you alone,” he replied.
”I am going away for a time on business and I want you to go with me.
I shall be lost without you.”
”I cannot go away with you; you know that,” she answered.
”Oh, yes, you can--as my wife?” he said. So he did wish to marry her.
She was gratified. She had thought of late such was not his intention.
”You'll marry me?” she asked.
”That's what I've come for to-night, to ask you to be my wife.”
She was silent. It was an important step to take. She liked him, but she was not sure she loved him, and she was a little afraid of him.
She had caught glimpses of the brute in him once or twice; it revolted her.
”Where are you going?” she asked.
”To the sea. We can spend our honeymoon there.”
”Where?”
”I cannot tell you until we are on the way. I want n.o.body round here to know my whereabouts,” he said.
”And you wish me to go with you as your wife?”
”Yes.”
”When do you start?”
”In a week or so.”
”Then I will give you my answer in a day or two,” she said quietly.
He remained late, trying to persuade her to say she would be his wife.
He had to leave without being satisfied, and he was annoyed.
CHAPTER XVIII
TOM'S WEAKNESS
”Then he's come to the scratch! I thought he would. You're a clever la.s.s, Jane,” said her father.
”Nothing clever about it. I haven't given him much encouragement,” she said.
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