"I am sorry, dear," she said gently. "I always seem to forget that you and I are in opposite camps over this one thing."
"We shan't be that for long," he retorted lightly, "if Naniescu's hopes are fulfilled."
Strangely enough, just as he spoke he saw General Naniescu and M. de Kervoisin, who were entering the park at Queen Anne's Gate as they themselves were coming out of it. The three men raised their hats, and Rosemary gave Naniescu and his friend a pleasant nod.
"I don't think," Tarkington said after a moment or two, "that our friend Naniescu will be very fond of me after this."
"Why? On the contrary, he should be grateful that you have not tried to oppose him in any way."
"I am going to oppose him in one way, though," Jasper resumed earnestly. "I don't intend to interfere with his plans or yours, my dear, as I said before; but there is one thing I am going to ask you, Rosemary."
"What is it, dear?" she asked impulsively. "I am so glad you are going to ask me for something. All the giving has been on your side up to now."
"Not so fast, little one. You mayn't be ready to do what I want."
"Is that likely?" she retorted. Then added with gentle earnestness: "There is nothing in the world I wouldn't do for you, Jasper."
"Will you marry me," he asked abruptly, "before you go away?"