She trembled all over.
"I--I cannot argue now, I must go at once; but I will think over what I
must say about it."
"If you are going to be my wife, you must know that all that is mine
will be yours; so how can a few thousand francs more or less now make
any difference, though if you have any feeling concerning it, you can
pay me back out of your first month's dress allowance!" and I tried to
smile.
She started to her feet.
"When shall I see you again?" I pleaded.
"In two days."
"When will you marry me?"
"Whenever you arrange."
"Must you go now?"
"Yes--I must--I am grateful for your generosity, I will fulfill my side
of the bargain."
"And I mine."
I tried to rise, and she handed me my crutch, and then went towards the
door, there she turned.
"I will come on Friday at ten o'clock as usual, Good-bye," and she bowed
and left me.
What a remarkable way to become an engaged man!! But only joy filled me
at that moment. I wanted to shout and sing--and thank God!
Alathea will be mine, and surely it will only be a question of time
before I can make her love me, my little girl!
I rang for Burton. I must have rung vigorously for he came in hurriedly.
"Burton," I said, "Congratulate me, my old friend--Miss Sharp has
promised to marry me."
For once Burton's imperturbability deserted him, he almost staggered and
put his hand to his head.
"God bless my soul, Sir Nicholas," he gasped, and then went on, "Beg
pardon, Sir, but that is the best piece of news I ever did hear in my
life."
And his dear old eyes were full of tears while he blew his nose
vigorously.
"It will be a very quiet wedding, Burton. We shall have it at the
Consulate, and I suppose at the church in the Rue d'Agesseau, if Miss
Sharp is a Protestant--I have never asked her."
"The wedding don't so much matter, Sir Nicholas. It is having the young
lady always here to look after you."
"Without her glasses, Burton!"
"As you say Sir, without them horn things." And there was a world of
understanding in his faithful eyes.
He left the room presently with the walk of a boy, so elated was he,
and I was left alone, thrilling in every nerve with triumph. How I long
for Friday I cannot possibly say.