From the gloom of the eastward sky came a rattling of thunder, like quick pistol-shots. Cobb checked his steps.
'We mustn't go any further. You're getting wet, and the rain isn't likely to stop.'
'I shall not go back,' Louise answered, 'until something has been settled.' And she stood before him, her eyes cast down, whilst Cobb looked at the darkening sky. 'I want to know what's going to become of me. The Mumfords won't keep me much longer, and I don't wish to stay where I'm not wanted.'
'Let us walk down the hill.'
A flash of lightning made Louise start, and the thunder rattled again. But only light drops were falling. The girl stood her ground.
'I want to know what I am to do. If you can't help me, say so, and let me go my own way.'
'Of course I can help you. That is, if you'll be honest with me. I want to know, first of all, whether you've been encouraging that man Bowling.'
'No, I haven't.'
'Very well, I believe you. And now I'll make you a fair offer. Marry me as soon as I can make the arrangements, and I'll pay all you owe, and see that you are in comfortable lodgings until I've time to get a house. It could be done before I go to Bristol, and then, of course, you could go with me.'
'You speak,' said Louise, after a short silence, 'just as if you were making an agreement with a servant.'