“I expect I rather carried Evelyn away,” said Kit. “In the circumstances, I know I ought not——”
Evelyn smiled. “Kit is very noble; he wants you to believe he persuaded me. Sometimes he thinks he’s romantic, but he’s really conventional. If he did persuade me, it was because I was willing.”
For a moment or two Mrs. Haigh pondered.
“Which persuaded the other is not important. You are very rash,” she said.
“We are young,” Kit rejoined. “I have got an awkward knock, but I have time to recover, and people soon forget. When you’re young you look ahead, and since Evelyn trusts me I know I can make good.”
“I don’t think your habit is to look far in front. Evelyn’s engagement must not stand, but if you are fortunate in Canada I may agree to her marrying you, when you can support a wife. That is all, Kit, and I doubt if my promising as much is wise.”
Kit had reckoned on Mrs. Haigh’s antagonism, but she was kinder than he thought, and he gave her a grateful look.
“Thank you. Unless I do make progress I will not claim Evelyn; but I’ll make all the effort flesh and blood can to push ahead.”
Mrs. Haigh studied him. Kit was a handsome, athletic young fellow and his attracting Evelyn was not strange. His pose was firm. One got a sense of confidence and resolution, and Mrs. Haigh felt he stood for hopeful, conquering youth. Yet it was not his charm that moved her. Mrs. Haigh was not moved by things like that.
“Something must be stipulated,” she said. “I do not acknowledge an engagement, and you must not write to Evelyn as if you were her lover. I think a letter in three or four months must be all. Do you agree?”