'What about your father? He can't eat me, can he?'
'He can cut me off with a shilling, my dear. And that's just what he will do if he knows I'm engaged to you. Surely, Bell, with your strong common sense, you can see that for yourself!'
'Of course I see it,' retorted Bell, sharply, for the speech was not flattering to her vanity; 'all the same, something must be done.'
'We must wait.'
'I'm sick of waiting.'
Gabriel rose to his feet and began to pace to and fro. 'You cannot desire our marriage more than I do,' he said fondly. 'I wish to make you my wife in as public a manner as possible. But you know I have only a small income as a curate, and you would not wish us to begin life on a pittance.'
'I should think not. I've had enough of cutting and contriving. But how do you intend to get enough for us to marry on?'
'My father has promised me the rectorship of Heathcroft. The present incumbent is old and cannot possibly live long.'
'I believe he'll live on just to spite us,' grumbled Bell. 'How much is the living worth?'
'Six hundred a year; there is also the rectory, you know.'