I know she hopes to come over if she is
well enough. That is, of course, if you don't object to an informal
call."
He spoke as if in his opinion the very fact of its informality conferred
a favour, and again Dinah trembled lest her mother should break forth
into open rudeness.
But to her amazement Mrs. Bathurst seemed somewhat overawed by the
princely stranger. She even smiled in a grim way as she said, "I will be
at home to her."
Sir Eustace made her a ceremonious bow and went out sweeping Dinah along
with him. He closed the door with a decision there was no mistaking, and
the next moment he had her in his arms.
"You poor little frightened mouse!" he said. "No wonder--no wonder you
never knew before what life, real life, could be!"
She clung to him with all her strength, burying her face in the fur
collar of his coat. "Oh, do marry me, quick--quick--quick!" she besought
him, in a muffled whisper. "And take me away!"
He gathered her close in his arms, so close that she trembled again. Her
nerves were all on edge that night.
"If they won't let me have you in a month from now," he said, in a voice
that quivered slightly, "I swear I'll run away with you."
There was no echo of humour in his words though she tried to laugh at
them, and ever he pressed her closer and closer to his heart, till
panting she had to lift her face. And then he kissed her in his
passionate compelling way, holding her shy lips with his own till he
actually forced them to respond.
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