"I couldn't think of such a thing! Oh, no, no! What
would my people say? And what would the public say, when it all came
out?"
"I only offered the suggestion," said he, submissively. "It would be
making everything sure, that was all. But I can quite understand that a
young lady would rather have a grand wedding, and presents, and a list
of friends in the _Morning Post_: well, I don't insist; it was only a
fancy I had last night in the train, but I am sure I would rather study
your wishes in every respect."
She stood silent for a little time, he intently waiting her answer.
"It is too serious a matter for me to decide by myself," she said, at
last, in a low voice.
"But who else has any right to interfere?" he exclaimed. "Why should you
not decide for yourself? You know I love you--you have seen it? and I
have waited and waited, and borne with a good deal. But then I was
hardly in a position to demand an answer; there would have been some
risk on your part, and I hesitated. Now there can be none. Dear Kate,
you are going to say one word!--and I shall go away down to all this sad
business that lies before me with a secret comfort that none of them
will suspect.
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