He tried to sit next to her, but the sofa gave way, and he found himself kneeling by her side.
They both laughed angrily. He got up and stood by the mantelpiece.
"So you think it is decent to accept money to leave the country to please my enemy?" said Sylvia.
"Will you tell me a really better plan by which we can marry in a year on an assured income?" he asked patiently.
"Income! Haven't I when I marry——" But he looked too angry. She changed the sentence and became imploring.
"Frank! If you love me really, you can't leave me. Think, every day, every hour without you!"
"Very well! We'll tell your father to-night, and chance it. I won't stand these subterfuges any more. After all, we have the right to do as we like."
"No, Frank, you will not tell him till I'm twenty-one. I haven't a right before. You would only be called horrid things—have to go, and—think how mean it is to poor Ridokanaki! Taking his kindness, only to round on him next year! Have you no pride, Frank?"
"Sylvia, that's all very well. But he knows all that. It's his idea."
"Yes, it would be! As if I didn't see through his mean, sly scheme. Why, it's not kindness at all!" she exclaimed.