Something in the words appeared particularly to excite Janet’s attention. She gazed at Thomas as if she would search him through and through. “By spring!” she repeated. “When, then, do you contemplate marrying Ethel?”
“I should like her to be mine by Christmas,” was the low answer.
“Thomas! And December close upon us!”
“If not, some time in January,” he continued, paying no attention to her surprise. “It is so decided.”
Miss Godolphin drew a long breath. “With whom is it decided?”
“With Ethel.”
“You would marry a wife without a home to bring her to? Had thoughtless George told me that he was going to do such a thing, I could have believed it of him. Not of you, Thomas.”
“Janet, the home shall no longer be a barrier to us. I wish you would receive Ethel here as your guest.”
“It is not likely that she would come. The first thing a married woman looks for is to have a home of her own.”
Thomas smiled. “Not come, Janet? Have you yet to learn how unassuming and meek is the character of Ethel? We have spoken of this plan together, and Ethel’s only fear is, lest she should ‘be in Miss Godolphin’s way.’ Failing to carry out this project, Janet—for I see you are, as I thought you would be, prejudiced against it—I shall hire a lodging as near to the bank as may be, and there I shall take Ethel.”