"No; they do that only in books. Really, I'm trembling like a leaf. I
can't realise that it is all taking place as we planned, and that I am
to be your wife after all. Ah, Harry! isn't it splendid?"

"'Gad, little woman, I am the one who hasn't the right to realise. By
Jove, I didn't give myself credit for the cleverness to fool every one
so neatly. Really, don't you know, however, I feel a bit sorry for
Miss Thursdale. She's a ripping good sort, and I'm sorry on that
account."

Miss Courtenay--erstwhile governess--took hold of the lapels of his
raincoat and looked seriously up into his face. "Are you sure you'll
never regret giving her up for me--with all her money?"

"Oh, I say, Anne dear, it's I who am running away, not you. I've
always wanted you--all my life. I've been something of a cad---"

"It wasn't your fault. Mrs. Thursdale was bound to have you. It's her
way."

"It hurts my pride to say it, but hanged if I think--er--Eleanor was
very strong for the match. I've a notion she was bullied into it."

"I'm quite sure of it."

"You're doing her a good turn, my dear. You see, I couldn't love her,
and I'd probably have beaten her and all that. It wasn't as if I had
to marry her for her money. Deuce take it, I've got a few pounds of my
own."