“So soon!” said Tarbot. “Impossible!”
“It is not impossible, Luke. Do you consent?”
“I must if you wish it; but it must be quite private.”
“We will go to church on the morning of this day week, and afterwards we can go for a fortnight’s honeymoon.”
“It would be very awkward my leaving London just now.”
“Awkward or not it must be done. You can get a locum tenens.”
“Very well; if I must, I must. I did not know you would be so exacting.”
“We are to be married, then, this day week by special license, and——”
“Privately married, remember, Clara. There is to be no fuss. A busy doctor cannot afford the time. We marry, and I take you away for a fortnight.” The man’s lips trembled. He turned aside. He was paying a price which nearly maddened him.
Nurse Ives kept on gazing at him fixedly.