`Yes,' I mean that I might. You are glad to see me, Frank?'

`O yes - of course.'

`Can you - come to me?'

`My dear Fan, no! The bugle has sounded, the barrack gates are closed, and I have no leave. `We are all of us as good as in the county gaol till tomorrow morning.'

`Then I shan't see you till then!' The words were in a faltering tone of disappointment.

`How did you get here from Weatherbury?'

`I walked - some part of the way - the rest by the carriers.'

`I am surprised.'

`Yes - so am I. And Frank, when will it be?'

`What?'

`That you promised.'

`I don't quite recollect.'

`O you do! Don't speak like that. It weighs me to the earth. It makes me say what ought to be said first by you.'

`Never mind - say it.'

`O, must I? - it is, when shall we be married, Frank?'

`Oh, I see. Well - you have to get proper clothes.'

`I have money. Will it be by banns or license?'*

`Banns, I should think.'

`And we live in two parishes.'

`Do we? What then?'

`My lodgings are in St Mary's, and this is not. So they will have to be published in both.'

`Is that the law?'

`Yes. O Frank - you think me forward, I am afraid! Don't, dear Frank - will you - for I love you so. And you said lots of times you would marry me, and - and I - I - I------'

`Don't cry, now! It is foolish. If I said so, of course I will.'

`And shall I put up the banns in my parish, and will you in yours?'

`Yes.'

`To-morrow?'

`Not tomorrow. We'll settle in a few days.'


  By PanEris using Melati.

Previous chapter/page Back Home Email this Search Discuss Bookmark Next chapter/page
Copyright: All texts on Bibliomania are © Bibliomania.com Ltd, and may not be reproduced in any form without our written permission. See our FAQ for more details.