'Don't be vulgar. I suppose you think I ought to live on a few shillings a week.'
'Lots of people have to. But there's no reason why you should. But look here: why should you be quarrelling with your people now about that fellow Bowling? You don't see him anywhere, do you?'
He flashed a glance at her, and Louise answered with a defiant motion of the head.
'No, I don't. But they put the blame on me, all the same. I shouldn't wonder if they think I'm trying to get him.'
She opened her umbrella, for heavy drops had begun to fall; they pattered on Cobb's hard felt hat, and Louise tried to shelter him as well as herself.
'Never mind me,' he said. 'And here, let me hold that thing over you. If you just put your arm in mine, it'll be easier. That's the way. Take two steps to my one; that's it.'
Again they were silent for a few moments. They had reached the Common, and Cobb struck along a path most likely to be unfrequented. No wind was blowing; the rain fell in steady spots that could all but be counted, and the air grew dark.
'Well, I can only propose one thing,' sounded the masculine voice. 'You can get out of it by marrying me.'
Louise gave a little laugh, rather timid than scornful.
'Yes, I suppose I can. But it's an awkward way. It would be rather like using a sledge-hammer to crack a nut.'