`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.'