"But we can wait. I am willing to wait if you will only promise to wait
for me. I'll work--HOW I'll work!--and--"

"I know, but we both have others besides ourselves to consider. I have
my uncles. They have done everything for me. And you have your father.
Does he know--about me--about what you have just said to me?"

And now Crawford hesitated. Not long, but long enough for Mary to know
what the answer would be before it was spoken.

"He doesn't know," she said. "I thought not. Do you think he will
approve?"

"I hope he will. There is every reason why he should and absolutely none
why he shouldn't. Of course he'll approve; he's sensible."

"Yes, but he may have plans of his own for you, and your marrying
an Eastern girl may not be one of them. You have often told me how
prejudiced he is against the East and Eastern people. He may disapprove
strongly."

Crawford squared his shoulders. There was no hesitation or doubt in his
next speech.

"If he does it will make no difference," he declared. "I care a whole
lot for Dad and I'd do anything on earth for him--anything but the one
thing, that is: I won't give you up--provided you care for me--for him
or for anyone else. That's final."