"I would rather my father and mother heard it first from you in person," I answered, stumbling in my speech.
"So would I, Daisy; but the times are against us. A letter must be my messenger; and Dr. Sandford has nothing to do with the matter."
"He would think he had," I answered, feeling the difficulties in my way.
"Aren't you my Daisy?" he said, looking down into my face with his flashing eyes, all alight with fire and pleasure.
"But that -" I began.
"No evasions, Daisy. Answer. Aren't you mine?"
I said "yes" meekly. But what other words I had purposed to add were simply taken off my lips. I looked round, in scared fashion, to see who was near; but Thorold laughed softly again.
"It is too dark for people to make minute investigations,
Daisy."
"Dark!" said I. "Oh, Christian, I must go home. I shall be missed, and Mrs. Sandford will be frightened."
"Will the doctor come after you?"