Elspeth drooped her head under the shawl.
"I am engaged to Mr. Herries."
"What?" shouted Browne, catching her by the arm.
"Speak lower," urged Kind, glancing uneasily around, "you never know who may be eavesdropping.
"But it's impossible," said the little doctor, sinking his voice. "You have only known him for a day or so."
"All the same, he loves me, and I love him."
"Don't be foolish, girl. How can he," Brown was careful not to mention Herries' name, "how can he support you, when he hasn't got a penny? It's sheer madness."
"You forget the fortune," whispered Sweetlips in the doctor's ear.
"You forget your own words. He has to earn that yet."
"Then allow Elspeth to help him to earn it. She's a sharp girl, and already has done him a service. Let the engagement stand until the chap gets out of this hobble. Then you can talk."