“But I do. Please do not say those dreadful things. Why should you go away?”
“Because it is best, as long as our marriage is to be postponed. My presence here will be a cause of irritation to my father, and goodness knows what he might not do in his angry mood. If you would not feel humiliated by marrying me, the best thing would be to have a quiet wedding immediately, with only the members of your family present, and not invite guests at all, and then we would take the steamer to San Francisco, and go to our home there.”
“I don't think mamma would consent to that.”
“Then, my darling, I must leave you now. I will return to town, and take the steamer which leaves at daylight, I shall abide implicitly by what you decide. Make known your wishes, and I shall obey.”
“You are offended, Clarence, and I do not know how I have incurred your displeasure,” she said in those tones of her voice which were the most thrilling to him—most sure of going straight to his heart.
Silently he approached her, and kneeling at her feet, he put his arms around the slender and graceful form he idolized so fervently. He rested his head on her shoulder for a few moments, then with a sigh, that seemed to come from his very soul, he said:
“I am not offended, my sweet rosebud, but I am very miserable. Pity me. You see, on my knees I beg you to marry me now—immediately—in two days. If not, I must go now—to-night. Say, will you marry me, as I beg of you?”
“Oh, Clarence, why do you ask me? How can I tell? You will have to ask papa and mamma.”
“Will they consent?”
“Papa, perhaps; but I fear mamma will not approve of such a hasty marriage.”