"Well, little girl, I'm made like that. When I want a thing I generally contrive to get it, and that as soon as possible. Jove! I did have work in getting you. If I hadn't thought and thought, and very nearly driven myself distracted, do you imagine for a single moment I'd have ferreted out that secret of Gideon Dalrymple's? So much thinking is exceedingly bad for a fellow, Heather, and the sooner you can set his heart at rest, the better for his general health."
"All right," I replied. "I will marry you in a fortnight if father is happy and if Aunt Penelope is satisfied."
"You needn't doubt her," said Vernon. "I put the question to her before you entered the drawing-room. When you were upstairs, putting on that pretty frock and tidying your hair, I had the brunt of the business settled with her. She likes sharp work; she told me so. When you appeared on the scene I was quite like an old family man pouring out the tea for her, and all the rest."
"There never was anyone like you," I said, and I took his hand timidly in mine.
"Come—this is all nonsense! Kiss me, Heather."
"No, no, Vernon—I—I can't."
"Don't be a dear little goose. I must be paid for what I've done. Kiss me this instant."
"It's your place——" I began.
"All right, if that's how you put it."
He clasped his arms round me and drew me close to him and kissed me over and over and over again.