"Yes; and I shall love them the less for it," she replied, sadly.
"Has a contract passed between you?"
"Not on my part, I can swear to that! Before Sir Peregrine went back to Berkshire the last time, they tried to have a betrothal before witnesses; but I let fall both the ring he wished to force upon me and the ring I was to give him; I would not open my lips either to speak, or to return his kiss; I held my hand back, closed tight, and he had to take it of his own accord. And all this the witnesses noted, for they laughed and spoke of it among themselves."
"Is the wedding-day set?"
"It may be any day, now that Sir Peregrine is well and in London. No doubt they will get a license, to save thrice asking the banns. I hope I may die in my sleep ere the time comes!"
"'Twere pity if that hope came true," said Ravenshaw, smiling.
"I dare not hope for a better escape. I'm not like to be favoured again as I was the other time Sir Peregrine was coming to town for the marriage. Then his horse threw him, and gave me a respite—but for only three months. Now he is well again, and safe and sound in London."
"What, were you in this peril three months ago?"
"Yes. 'Twas that which made me try to run away, the night you first saw me. The next day, instead of him, came news of his accident."