"I mean what I say," he answered. "If you are bent on rescuing your father I will help you. But I only offer my services on one condition."
"And what is that?"
"That as soon as this business is finished you become my wife."
"But I cannot let you do it," she answered. "Why should I draw you into it?"
"I do it because I love you, and because you love me," he answered. "Surely that is sufficient reason."
"But——"
"We'll have no more buts, if you please," said Browne. "If it is a bargain, say so. This is going to be a genuine business contract, of which the terms are, that I am to do my best to assist your father to escape, and in return you are to be my wife as soon as the work is completed."
She looked at him almost tearfully. Though she felt it was her duty as a daughter to help her father, she nevertheless could not reconcile it to her conscience to draw the man she loved into danger. By this time they had risen from the seat, and were standing facing each other.
"Is it to be a bargain, Katherine?"
She did not answer, but, drawing his face down to hers, she kissed him on the lips.