'What!'
'Now, Glory! let us understand one another. If you will run off with me—and I see nothing but some silly sentiment to hinder you—then we will be married and live happily together on your little fortune and my pension and what I can pick up.'
She shook her head.
'If you will not, why then, I shall go straight from here to Phoebe Musset, and ask her to be my wife; and you may take my word for it that in three weeks the bells that are now pealing from Mersea tower will be pealing again for us.'
'You could not do it.'
'Indeed I will. I shall go direct to her. My mother wishes it and I know that Phoebe is ready with her yes.'
'You can take her, her, to your heart?'
'Delighted to do so.'
'Then, George! I never knew you, I never understood you.'
'I dare say not, no more than I can understand you. Once again, will you come with me?'