"Nothing, perhaps. But he probably broke out again after marriage, and
sank at last into that caldron. That's what it means by being-steeped in
crime."

"How utterly nonsensical you are!"

"I feel light-headed. You've been at sea, on a yacht becalmed, haven't
you? when along comes a groundswell, and as you rock in the sun there
comes trouble, and your head goes round like a top? Now, that's my case.
I've been becalmed four years, and while I pray for a little wind to take
me--home, you rock me in the trough of uncertainty. Suspense is very
gall and wormwood. You know what the jailer said to the criminal who was
hanging on a reprieve: 'Rope deferred maketh the heart sick.' Marion,
give me the hour, or give me the rope."

"The rope enough to hang yourself?"

She suddenly reached up and pulled a hair from her head. She laid it in
his hand-a long brown silken thread. "Hume," she said airily yet gently,
"there is the rope. Can you love me for a month of Sundays?"

"Yes, for ever and a day!"

"I will cancel the day, and take your bond for the rest. I will be
generous. I will marry you in two months-and a day."

"My dearest girl!"--he drew her hand into both of his--"I can't have you
more generous than myself, I'll throw off the month." But his eyes were
shining very seriously, though his mouth smiled.