So saying he put the ring on, and covered the hand with kisses. Mercedes' face was suffused with blushes, and she did not dare look at the ring.
“I have been longing for this moment of bliss, Mercedes, my own, my precious. You are pledged to me now. Look at me, my sweet wife!”
“What a foolish boy!” she said, covering her face.
“Now you must set the day of our marriage. Let it be the day after we arrive. Let us be married at San Francisco. Why not?”
“You must ask mamma and papa. Talk to Elvira about it.”
“I will. She will not object. Particularly as Mechlin intends going to reside in California, and engaging in business there. So you see, it will be just the thing for our marriage to take place as soon as we arrive. I think it would be so nice for all your family, and my mother and Alice and Everett to come to meet us at San Francisco, and we be married there, and I then take you to your house, which will be ready for you.”
“I don't know whether mamma would approve—”
“Oh, my precious! Why not? She will, if you say you wish it so. I will write to-day to Hubert. I shall telegraph him to buy the handsome house he told me was for sale. Shall I telegraph?”
She looked down reflectingly. Suddenly she uttered an exclamation of surprise. She had seen the ring for the first time.
“I had not seen this diamond. Is it not too magnificent for an engagement ring?”