"How soon will that be?" he asked.
"A matter of three years."
"Three years!" he groaned; "an eternity to wait. I will give you three months to think about it; then I will come to Melbourne and ask again."
"And what will Mother Superioress say to me with a young man?"
"Oh, blow—I mean, never mind the Mother Superioress. Quirk tells me she is delightfully human, and as sympathetic as you are," replied Cairns.
"Sympathetic? Sure, you must be in love to believe that of me. I am as hard as flint. But come if you like, and bring me a big box of chocolates. Will you now?"
"I intend to bring a ring with me. What stones do you like best?"
"Emeralds, to be sure, and diamonds. But don't be spending your money until you are sure of me. I may be taking the veil myself."
"If you do I shall destroy myself," said Cairns.
"Would you do that for me?" she cried eagerly. "How would you do it?"