"What debts can there be between husband and wife? Come now, let us look at
the matter sensibly. I don't want to frighten you. Things will go on much
the same. We can take quiet rooms, I will bring work to you instead of your
having to go after it. It's nobody's business but our own. We've not a
circle of relations to consult or invite. We can go to some parsonage, the
minister's family will be the witnesses; then I'll leave you at your room as
usual, and no one will be any the wiser till I've found a place where we can
go to housekeeping. That won't be long, I can tell you."

He placed the matter in such a simple, natural light that she did not know how
to refuse.

"Perhaps I do not love you as much as you ought to be loved, and deserve to be
in view of all your kindness," she tried to explain. "I feel I ought to be
very truthful and not deceive you in the least, as I know you would not
deceive me." So strong a shiver passed through his frame that she exclaimed,
"You are taking cold or you don't feel well."

"Oh, it's nothing!" he said hastily, "only the night air, and then a fellow
always feels a little nervous, I suppose, when he's asking for something on
which his happiness depends. I'm satisfied with such feeling and good will as
you have for me, and will be only too glad to get you just as you are. Come,
before it is too late in the evening."

"Is your heart bent on this, after what I have said, Wilson?"

"Yes, yes, indeed!" clasping her hand and drawing her to her feet.

"It would seem very ungrateful in me to refuse, after all you have done for me
and mother, if you think it's right and best. Will you go to the minister