'Why not?'
'I must ask you a question,' she said, and wiped the cold dew from her lips and brow. 'I must ask of you a favour.'
'Ask me anything; it is yours.'
'Captain Trecarrel, this is Christmas Day. After eight days I shall belong to another. I ask you—allow me to be married in Trecarrel Chapel.'
Her heart beat so fast that it took away her breath. She was unable to proceed.
Captain Trecarrel's blue eyes opened with amazement. He could not believe his ears.
'I shall be married to—John Herring.'
Then she sank back in the coach, and threw her handkerchief over her face. The wheels rattled over the pavement of the street.
'Stop!' shouted the Captain. 'Damnation! stop!'
He got out. 'Drive on hard to Dolbeare, coachman; the young lady has fainted.'