"What has he got to do with it?"

"A very great deal, I imagine, seeing that if he likes he can revoke his will any day, and leave you without a penny."

"Uncle Barton wouldn't be such, a beast!"

"I'm not so sure about that. He has considerable capacity for being a beast. And you know how he dislikes me. But if you really do care, Gerald——"

"Oh, Hilda, you know I do—you are everything to me. Tell me that you care for me a little—that you will be my wife."

"Are you quite, quite sure you mean what you are saying—that you really——"

"A thousand times yes; I love you with my whole soul."

"And you are quite willing to take the risk?"

"Anything, everything—so long as I have you!"

"Then I will confess—I do care for you, Gerald."