art). "And I
didn't mean half what I said--indeed I didn't! And--and you shouldn't
reproach me with not going at once down to Petmansworth, when you know
the cause. I shall be among a lot of people who won't know my relations
to you; I shall have all kinds of duties before me now, and I wanted to
take with me one word of assurance. Even if it was only sympathy I
wanted, why should I not come first to you, when you are the one I care
for most in the world? Isn't it a proof of that, when my first thought
is of you when this great change has taken place? Don't you see how you
will be affected by it--at least if you say yes. I know you are fond of
the theatre, and of all the flattery you get, and bouquets and newspaper
notices; but you might find another way of life just as satisfying to
your pride--I mean a natural pride, a self-respect such as every woman
should have. Oh, I don't mind your remaining on the stage, for a time
anyway; we could not be married for at least six months, I suppose,
according to usual observances; but I think if you knew how you could
play the part of great lady down at Petmansworth, that might have as
great attraction for you as the theatre. I was considering in the train
last night," continued this luckless youth--studying every feature of
his mistress's face for some favorable sign of yielding, "that perhaps
you might agree to a private marriage, in a week or two's time, by
private license, and we could have the marriage announced later on."

"Oh, Percy, you frighten me," said the young lady, whose wrath was
clearly being mollified by his persuasive words--or perhaps by other
considerations. "I couldn't think of such a thing! Oh, no, no! What
would my people say? And what would the public say, when it all came
out?"

"I only offered the suggestion," said he, submissively. "It would be
making everything sure, that was all. But I can quite understand that a
young lady would rather have a grand wedding, and presents, and a list
of friends in the _Morning Post_: well, I don't insist; it was only a
fancy I had last night in the train, but I am sure I would rather study
your wishes in every respect."

She stood silent for a little time, he intently waiting her answer.

"It is too serious a matter for me to decide by myself," she said, at
last, in a low voice.

"But who else has any right to interfere?" he exclaimed. "Why should you
not decide for yourself? You know I love you--you have seen it?