“What do you think of my plan? It’s only a plan, you know, Tony—subject to your approval.”
“Diplomat!” murmured Anthony, reaching up one arm and drawing it about her shoulders. “You know you’re safe to have my approval when you put it in that tone. Well, provided you can figure out the finances—and I know you wouldn’t propose it if you hadn’t done that already—I don’t see any objection. On one condition, though, Julie, mind you—on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“Of course, I can only be here evenings during your house party. So my condition is that I have you and the home all to myself for my vacation afterward. Not a wooer nor a chum admitted. No overdressed women out from town, taking afternoon tea—no invitations to lonesome husbands out to dinner. Just you and I. Did you ever imagine life in the rural localities would be so gay, anyhow? I want to go fishing with you—tramping through the woods with you—sitting out here on the porch with you—in short, have you all to myself—and”—he turned completely about, kneeling below her on the step, crushing her in both arms so vigorously that he stopped her breath—“eat—you—up!”
“What a prospect,” she cried softly, when she found herself partially released. “Are you sure you need a vacation, just for that?”
“Certain of it. I’ve had to share you with other people all the year—and now I’ve got to give you up to a jealous lovers’ assemblage. So after that, mind you, I have my satisfaction.”
When Doctor Barnes was told of the plan he looked gloomy. “Going to ask Lockwood?” he inquired at once.
“Of course,” assented Juliet promptly.
“I don’t see any ‘of course’ about it.”