"Oh, yes, I think it is quite decorous. It may not be conventional, but that is quite another thing."
"It is like a clandestine marriage—almost like an elopement. It must vex her to see me acting so—so—"
"So what? No, I don't think it does. She was a little vexed at first, but she has got over it. In her heart of hearts I believe she would be disappointed now if we didn't do it. She likes a little bit of innocent unconventionalism as well as anybody, and the romance of the whole thing has taken hold of her. Besides," added Mr. Yelverton, "you know she intended us for each other, sooner or later."
"You have said as much before, but I don't know anything about it," laughed Elizabeth.
"Yes, she told me I might have you—weeks ago."
"She was very generous."
"She was. She was more generous than she knew. Well"—catching himself up suddenly—"we really must go to her now, Elizabeth. I told her I would only come in here, where I have no business to be to-day, for half a minute, and I have stayed more than half an hour. It is nearly dinner time, and I have a great deal to do this evening. I have more to do even than I bargained for."
"Why more?" she asked, apprehensively.
"I am going to have some papers prepared by Mr. Brion and the major's lawyers, which you will have to sign before you surrender your independence to-morrow."
"I won't sign anything," said Elizabeth.