'Years!' she exclaimed in astonishment.
He laughed.
'That startles you. I shan't be back in time for your wedding, you see.'
She sobbed again, averting her face.
'I shan't ever be married. I'm one of those wretched things nobody ever cares for.'
'You'll have to show you deserve it. Why, you couldn't give your word and keep it for two years.'
Through this extraordinary scene Dagworthy was utterly unlike himself. It was as if a man suffering physical agony should suddenly begin to jest and utter wild mirth; there was the same unreality in his behaviour. Throughout it all the lines of his face never lost their impress of gloom. Misery had its clutch upon him, and he was driven by an inexplicable spirit of self-mockery to burlesque the subject of his unhappiness. He had no sense of responsibility, and certain instincts were strongly excited, making a kind of moral intoxication.
Jessie answered his question with wide eyes.
'I couldn't?—Ah!'
She spoke under her breath, and with sincerity which was not a little amusing.