They talked in lovers' fashion Page 216
“What an admirably obedient wife you are going to make! But I’m glad you hate it. If ever you feel a mad desire to take it up again, we’ll go into the library together and write up Godey’s Lady’s Book. I want your life to be sweet and sheltered and filled with good things now.”
“Oh, Dick, to think of that kind of a life coming to me!”
“It ought to have come to you long ago. It was bound to come, because it belongs to you. But things being as they are, you must give yourself into my keeping as soon as possible, sweetheart. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be married at once, or nearly so, is there, dear?”
Here Lena hesitated, a little in doubt whether she ought to show maiden reluctance, and her lover went on with his argument.
“You are so alone, dear. Don’t let any foolish hesitation prolong this bad time of yours.”
“What about my mother?” demanded Lena, with a sudden descent to the region of hard facts.
“Do you want her to live with us?” Dick asked with a gulp.