“Yes; why not? Loving each other so well, what does the time and place matter if it is a true union of hearts? It would stop silly gossip over the interrupted wedding, and such a proof of my tenderness would perhaps condone my offense in showing respect to Mrs. Dalrymple by attending her daughter’s obsequies.”
There was a slight touch of bitterness in the last words that Noel did not understand, and he said, in his brusque way:
“Not many girls would care to be married by a sick bed and sacrifice all the fol-lalas of a brilliant wedding.”
“But Cora would because she loves me very fondly. Will you go and see her for me, Noel, and ask her if she would be willing to marry me to-morrow, so that we can start on our wedding tour as soon as I am well enough?”
Noel went, and the patient, tired by his long talk, dozed again, and filled up the interval of time this way till his friend’s return.
He wakened at last with a start at a light touch on his arm.
“Ah, Noel, is that you? Where have you been so long? Ah, I remember now! You saw Cora? She will grant my wish?”
“You are mistaken, old boy. She—refuses!”
CHAPTER XIX.
THE NEW WINE OF LOVE.
Cora Ellyson had, indeed, refused her lover’s request.