"It's a calamity I dare not contemplate," replied she. "Now, whatever you do, don't break your neck in those horrid coal mines, or come back smelling of brimstone like a theatrical fiend."
"I believe you would jest during an earthquake."
"If it would stop the thing shaking I might," she answered. "There, there, don't be cross, Tom."
Elsie threw down her work, and with one of her quick changes of manner brought her lover back to serenity.
"If you would only let me do one thing before I go," he said, getting courage enough from her kindness to propose an idea that had been in his mind ever since he arrived.
"What is it, Monsieur Exigeant?"
"Just let me tell Grant of our—our—"
"Our what, stammerer?"
"Of the happiness you have promised me," said Tom, changing the original word from fear of vexing her.
"You were going to say engagement; don't deny it."