“Jack is there,” she said. “He has come home earlier.”
“Isn’t he well?”
“O yes; quite. It isn’t that. But he says he could not wait any longer. It came over him all at once that he must speak. And he asked leave to come away early for once—on business. Fancy calling that business!”
“What was the business?” I asked, smiling.
“As if you didn’t know!” she whispered, stooping to kiss me.
“He knew Cherry was away this afternoon, and he felt sure he would find me alone in the garden.”
“Which he did. Well, Maimie, what is your answer?”
“I haven’t given him any. I told him he might ask you.”
She was starting upright, to run away, but I caught her fast.
“You must tell me what to say.”