"Must have," said Tom.
He waited to see Carl Meason, who came the next morning, eager to have Jane's answer. He had a long talk with Tom Thrush; they went for a walk; Carl returned alone. He at once put the question to Jane, saying he had her father's consent. She made up her mind quickly. It was a chance she must not let slip—there were no eligible suitors in the neighborhood.
"I will marry you, Carl," she said. "You must be very good and kind to me."
He drew her to him, and kissed her passionately, vowing he would do everything possible to make her happy. He would have promised anything to gain his own ends.
"I want to be married in Little Trent Church," she said.
"I'll get a special license," he replied. "We've no time to wait."
"You're in a hurry to be off," said Jane.
"Business, my dear. I'd not have stayed so long at the Sherwood Inn if it hadn't been for you."
"You do love me—it's not make-believe?"
"Is that make-believe," he said, crushing her in his arms, kissing her many times. She recognized it was anything but make-believe; he wanted her badly, he must love her.