"Not for very long," said Nora.
"It does not seem to me," said Sir Marmaduke, after a considerable pause, "that this gentleman himself is so particularly anxious for the match. I have heard no day named, and no rational proposition made."
"Papa, that is unfair, most unfair,—and ungenerous."
"Nora," said her mother, "do not speak in that way to your father."
"Mamma, it is unfair. Papa accuses Mr. Stanbury of being,—being lukewarm and untrue,—of not being in earnest."
"I would rather that he were not in earnest," said Sir Marmaduke.
"Mr. Stanbury is ready at any time," continued Nora. "He would have the banns at once read, and marry me in three weeks,—if I would let him."
"Good gracious, Nora!" exclaimed Lady Rowley.
"But I have refused to name any day, or to make any arrangement, because I did not wish to do so before papa had given his consent. That is why things are in this way. If papa will but let me take a room till I can go to Monkhams, I will have everything arranged from there. You can trust Mr. Glascock for that, and you can trust her."
"I suppose your papa will make you some allowance," said Lady Rowley.