The train had climbed the hill and was now rumbling off into the distance. A smell of burning leaves came floating over the gardens.
“I don’t blame you for laughing,” said Sam. “Pray laugh if you wish to.”
Kay availed herself of the permission.
“Oh, Sam, you are a pompous old ass, aren’t you? ‘Pray laugh if you wish to’!... Sam!”
“Well?”
“Do you really mean that you would stay on in England if I promised to marry you?”
“Yes.”
“And offend your rich uncle for life and get cut off with a dollar or whatever they cut nephews off with in America?”
“Yes.”
Kay reached up at Sam’s head and gave his hair a little proprietorial tug.