"Till death us do part," she said to herself. And in the intensity of her submission to the common lot she saw down the years the end of what had now begun--herself lying quiet and blessed, in the last sleep, her dead hand in Marsham's.
"Why must we go home?" he said, discontentedly, as he released her. "One turn more!--up the avenue! There is light enough yet!"
She yielded weakly; pacifying her social conscience by the half-penitent remark that Mrs. Colwood would have said good-bye to her guests, and that--she--she supposed they would soon have to know.
"Well, as I want you to marry me in six weeks," said Marsham, joyously, "I suppose they will."
"Six weeks!" She gasped. "Oh, how unreasonable!"
"Dearest!--A fortnight would do for frocks. And whom have we to consult but ourselves? I know you have no near relations. As for cousins, it doesn't take long to write them a few notes, and ask them to the wedding."
Diana sighed.
"My only cousins are the Mertons. They are all in Barbadoes but Fanny."
Her tone changed a little. In her thoughts, she added, hurriedly: "I sha'n't have any bridesmaids!"