“No,” he replied simply.
“How can I be sure that you did not say you were willing only to oblige a dying man?”
His answer to this left her too breathless to speak, and with a strong suspicion that at least three of her ribs had been broken.
“Have you any more nonsensical questions you would like to ask me, my love?” asked John, a little unsteadily.
“I d-dare not!” she said, between tears and laughter.
“Good! Because I think we should not keep the Vicar waiting, or your grandfather either. And if the only qualms you have are on my behalf there is no reason why we should. Can you wear this signet-ring of mine?”
“John, I am persuaded I ought not to do this!”
“If you feel that I shall turn out to be the devil of a husband, undoubtedly you ought not,” cordially agreed John, sliding his ring on to her finger, and off again. “This is too loose, but it will have to serve until I can buy a wedding ring. If, on the other hand, you mean to abide by our engagement, I shall think you have less than common sense if you cannot recognize the advantages attaching to this charmingly unusual wedding.”
“And if I have less than common sense I daresay you will cry off?” she murmured, snuggling her cheek into the hollow of his shoulder.
“Very likely. Now, consider, my love! If we are to wait until your grandfather is dead, how awkward in every respect must be our situation! You will then scruple to marry me until you are out of your blacks, and what the deuce are we to do for a whole year? Where will you go? How will you support yourself? With so many scruples you would never permit me to do that!”