“How much?”
“Years perhaps.”
“How many?”
“Five or six, maybe, if I am successful; more if I am not; I shall start off to ‘seek my fortune’ just as soon as I can take my degree.”
“Meantime, what is to become of your humble servant?”
“You?—why, Gladys, you will have your home and friends the same as now.”
“And you will be out in the world, somewhere, working for me?” she said, sitting erect and turning her gaze full upon him.
“Of course; that is to be expected; doesn’t it please you?”
“No. I am no hot-house plant that requires a tempered atmosphere in order to thrive and grow! Do you think that I can afford to let you spend the best years of your life away from me, toiling to give me luxuries, while you deny yourself even the comforts and companionship of a home? My father and mother began life in an humble way, and built up their fortune together. I am of no finer clay than they or you; if I am not calculated to share your burdens as well us your pleasures, I am not worthy to be your wife at all,” Gladys concluded, with an energy and decision that made Geoffrey regard her with surprise.
“Why, Gladys, what would people think of me if I should ask you to marry me before I could provide you with a comfortable home?” he asked.