"Now I wonder if I can honestly do that?" said the Rector, very seriously.
"Father, you do realize, don't you, because you are being so naughty, but you do realize that from to-day we are really engaged?"
"Only from to-day?" the Rector asked, a twinkle in his eye.
"Well, of course," Pauline explained, "we've been in love for very nearly a year."
"And when have you decided to get married?"
Pauline looked at Guy.
"We thought in about two years, sir," said Guy. "That is, of course, as soon as I've published my first book. Perhaps in a year, really."
"Just when you find it convenient, in fact," said the Rector, still twinkling.
"Well, Father," Pauline interrupted, "have we got your permission? Because that's what we've come up to ask."
"You surprise me," said the Rector, starting back with an exaggerated look of astonishment such as one might use with children.