'He is so bent upon it, in fact, that he says that, young as you are, he will only let you remain here longer on one condition.'
She looked up quickly, with a change of expression which I took for that of vague apprehension.
'What condition?'
'You must be engaged—affianced—to some one he approves of before he leaves you.'
Babiole began to laugh. 'But papa must know that that is ridiculous. I am not a princess, to make so much fuss about. Besides, I am old enough, mamma says, to stay with her if I like.'
'We can't complain of your father for thinking so much of you. And there is a very simple way of satisfying him, if you really do care to stay any longer at the old cottage. Remember, your father could easily persuade your mother to go away with him if he were bent on having you; and then the old life for her would begin again.'
The girl rose to her feet in great excitement.
'What is the simple way?'
'You can become engaged to me.'
I had not prepared her in the least, after all. She did not start or speak, but I could see by her face that she was utterly surprised. I was afraid of a hasty refusal, and now screwed up to the pitch of daring, I hurried on without further hesitation.