"It depends on the measure of the liking," said Austin.
Then he stretched out his hands and took hold of both hers.
"Sit still and listen to me. I've had this in my mind for a long while. I'd rather live with you, Jockie, than with anyone else on the face of the earth. We won't discuss each other's virtues and vices. You're no more perfect than I am; but I loathe perfection. I like you just as you are. Now, do you feel like that about me?"
Jockie's slim sunburnt hands trembled in his grasp. He was glad to see that she was perturbed; he dreaded lest she might show flippancy.
"Do you care for me a little bit? Now, on your honour! For this is no game; it means either that we're going to be all in all to each other, or nothing at all."
"I think you'll have to give me time," she said irresolutely. "There's a lot to be considered, and I'm sure Mrs. de Cressiers won't approve."
"No; I won't give you time. Hang consideration! You know your own mind as well as I do. Leave everyone else out of the question. Here are we alone—just we two. If there was no one else in the world but you and me, what would you feel like?"
Then Jockie looked up. Her mischievous eyes showed a deep clear light in them as she met his ardent penetrating gaze. She drew in a long breath.
"Gloriously happy," was her answer.
And he was more than satisfied.