"Yes, I will, really," she replied, without any hesitation, thankful for the reprieve, which she had been by no means sure of getting.
"As soon as the house is built?"
"As soon as the house is finished."
"No—not finished; that mayn't be next year, nor the year after. As soon as the roof is on?"
Rachel paused.
"How long does that take?"
"Oh, a long time—ever so long."
She paused again, with a longer pause. And then,
"Very well," she sighed, resignedly.
"It is a bargain? You promise faithfully? On your solemn word of honour?"