"Since you have consented to marry me, I have the right to give you what
I please--you may need more than you have suggested, and I want
everything to be smooth and as you would wish."
She trembled all over.
"I--I cannot argue now, I must go at once; but I will think over what I
must say about it."
"If you are going to be my wife, you must know that all that is mine
will be yours; so how can a few thousand francs more or less now make
any difference, though if you have any feeling concerning it, you can
pay me back out of your first month's dress allowance!" and I tried to
smile.
She started to her feet.
"When shall I see you again?" I pleaded.
"In two days."
"When will you marry me?"
"Whenever you arrange."
"Must you go now?"
"Yes--I must--I am grateful for your generosity, I will fulfill my side
of the bargain."
"And I mine."
I tried to rise, and she handed me my crutch, and then went towards the
door, there she turned.
"I will come on Friday at ten o'clock as usual, Good-bye," and she bowed
and left me.
What a remarkable way to become an engaged man!! But only joy filled me
at that moment. I wanted to shout and sing--and thank God!
Alathea will be mine, and surely it will only be a question of time
before I can make her love me, my little girl!