Someone laughed, and there came again the clash of the billiard-balls, followed in a second by a shout of applause.
The noise subsided, and Fletcher spoke. "My job here will be over in a week. Jack can manage to join us at the end of it. Your sister-in-law is already here. Why not finish up by getting married and returning to Wallacetown with me?"
"I should have to go back to the farm and get the rest of my things," said Dot.
"You could do that afterwards," he said, "when I am away on business. I shan't be able to take you with me everywhere. Some of the places I have to go to would be too rough for you. But I shall be at Wallacetown for some weeks after this job. You have never seen my house there. I took it over from the last Superintendent. I think you'll like it. I got it for that reason."
She started a little. "But you didn't know then—How long ago was it?"
"Three years," said Fletcher Hill. "I've been getting it ready for you ever since."
She looked up at him. "You—took a good deal for granted, didn't you?" she said.
Fletcher was smiling, dryly humorous. "I knew my own mind, anyway," he said.
"And you've never had—any doubts?" questioned Dot.
"Not one," said Fletcher Hill.