"
Her eyes fell away from his.
"I haven't any money, you know," she said.
"Never mind about the money," he answered cheerily. "I have a little,
enough to keep us from starvation. I can make more. It will do me good
to work. It's settled, then? You'll have me?"
"If--if you are sure--" she faltered. Then impulsively, "Oh, it's
hateful to feel that I've thrown myself at your head!"
His hand closed upon hers with a restraining pressure.
"You mustn't say those things to me, Chirpy," he said quietly; "they
hurt me. Now let me tell you my plans. Do you know what I did when I got
back to town the other day? I went and bought a special marriage
licence. You see, I wanted to marry you even then, and I hoped that
before very long I should persuade you to have me. As soon as I got your
telegram, I went off and purchased a wedding-ring. I hope it will fit.
But, anyhow, it will serve our present purpose. Will you drive with me
into Rington to-morrow and marry me there?"
She was listening to him in wide-eyed amazement.
"So soon?" she said.
"I thought it would save any further trouble," he answered. "But it is
for you to decide."
"And--and what should we do afterwards?" she asked, stooping to pick up
her straw that had fallen to the ground.
"That, again, would be for you to decide," he answered. "I would take
you straight back to your mother if you wished.
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