“What has all this to do with me?”
“I am telling you these things to prove that I am worthy of you. I am well-to-do, and have every reason to suppose you care something about me.”
She laughed derisively at this last observation.
His countenance grew dark and wore a malignant expression, but by a violent effort he suppressed his passion for a while.
“And be this all you wanted to see me for?” she inquired.
“All!” he reiterated, “and enough too, I’m thinking. Now do be a little reasonable. Do you suppose I should have been dangling after you for so long a time for nothing? I tell you again and again, Nelly, that I doat on you.”
Here once more he threw his arms round his companion’s neck, and embraced her with passionate fervour.
“There, that will do. You certainly are the most daring man I ever came across. Have you anything more to say?” she enquired, in a coquettish manner.
“Yes, a deal more,” he returned. “I want to fix you firm and fast before I leave—I want you to give me a promise.”
“What be that you want me to promise?”