Peter took a swaying step toward her and shook his head. “Old pins pretty weak and wobbly. Mind coming a little nearer?” When she came close he put his whole hand and his bandaged hand on her shoulders. “I am going to ask you three questions, and you will tell me the truth because you are true.” He drew a long breath. “Do you love him?”
“No,” she answered forlornly.
“Do you love me?”
“Yes.” It was a whisper, but she met his gaze unfalteringly.
Peter put his hands resolutely behind him. “You darling!” He barely breathed it. “Well, then,” he went on briskly, “if I can prove to you that your father wouldn’t want you to marry him, will you marry me?”
“Oh, but you can’t!” she wailed. “Luke was everything to Dad; he adored him. You see, he found him when he was——”
“Answer me!” Peter Parker commanded. “If I can prove it, will you marry me?”
Wide-eyed, drawing in a scared breath, the doctor’s daughter moved her head slowly up and down.
“Thank you,” he said gravely and courteously. “Now, will you ask Hopkins to come and give me an arm to the car? I’m going to be awfully busy for the rest of the day and night!”