'It is very sudden,' said Mary.
'Very sudden; yet in your case that does not much matter. You have quite made up your mind about Mr. Hammond, I believe.'
'Made up my mind! I began to worship him the first night he came here.'
'Foolish child. Well, there is no need to wait for settlements. You have only your allowance as Lord Maulevrier's daughter—a first charge on the estate, which cannot be made away with or anticipated, and of which no husband can deprive you.'
'He shall have every sixpence of it,' murmured Mary.
'And Mr. Hammond, though he tells me he is better off than I supposed, can have nothing to settle. So there will be nothing forfeited by a marriage without settlements.'
Mary could not enter upon the question. It was even of less importance than the wedding gown.
The gong sounded for luncheon.
'Steadman's dogcart is to take Mr. Hammond to the station at half-past two,' said Lady Maulevrier, 'so you had better go and give him his luncheon.'
Mary needed no second bidding. She flew downstairs, and met her lover in the hall.