She was silent for some time, while he leaned forward and watched her face. He saw, to his surprise, that she was actually thinking over it, and he did not interrupt her. She was, indeed, possessed by the idea that this wild project offered safety to them both in face of the impending catastrophe. If she could not secure him in the possession of his property before he was made aware that he had lost it, she might anticipate his possible refusal to let her be his benefactor, and the hindrances and difficulties that seemed likely to sunder them after having come so near to each other. She lifted her eyes from the carpet presently, and looked into his.
"Do you mean that you will?" he exclaimed, the fierceness of his delight tempered by a still evident incredulity.
"I will," she said, "if—"
"Hush—hush! Don't let there be any ifs, Elizabeth!"
"Yes—listen. If Mrs. Duff-Scott will freely consent and approve—"
"You may consider that settled, anyhow. I know she will."
"And if you will see Mr. Brion to-night—"
"Mr. Brion? What do we want with Mr. Brion? Settlements?"
"No. But he has something to tell you about me—about my family—something that you must know before we can be married."
"What is it? Can't you tell me what it is?" He looked surprised and uneasy. "Don't frighten me, Elizabeth—it is nothing to matter, is it?"