It sounds like a fairy story; but
there's no doubt seemingly; and don't you put him off her, or I'll never
speak to you again, Mary."
"It would take more than me to put Rupert off anything he wanted," I
replied. "And, to tell truth, this is no surprise to me. He's very well
pleased with his bargain, and I do hope you see your way to give Minnie a
pinch of cash, for that will lighten Arthur's heart amazing and keep him
faithful till they be wed."
"So I thought," replied Arthur. "In fact I've gone so far as to name one
hundred pounds if they're man and wife afore Michaelmas."
"Then fear no more," I said. "It will happen."
The same night affairs rushed on to their amazing conclusion and Rupert
staggered me once more. For the first time in his life he willed to
pleasure me, and it showed the secret power of the man, that again he
talked as if a deed was already done afore the difficulties had been
faced.
Minnie had told him all about my adventures, indeed they was common
knowledge now, and many had heard how Mr. Sweet had fallen off. Some came
to say they was sorry, and some thought it a pretty good escape, and some
of his friends would never know me no more. But Rupert didn't waste no
time on Gregory; he was in a wonderful amiable mood and I could see
Arthur's hundred pounds had touched him in his tenderest spot. And then,
in his blunt way, he went to the centre of the situation and asked me if
I'd like to marry Arthur.
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