'
'If it cost a thousand I should not think it dear. But I have a notion
that I shall be able to get the licence--cheap. You have made me wild
with happiness.'
'But you must not refuse my cheque.'
'Indeed I must, Lady Maulevrier. I am not quite such a pauper as you
think me.'
'But fifty pounds and the expenses of the journey; an outlay altogether
unexpected on your part. I begin to fear that you are very reckless. A
spendthrift shall never marry my granddaughter, with my consent.'
'I have never yet spent above half my income.'
Lady Maulevrier looked at him in wonderment and perplexity. Had the
young man gone suddenly out of his mind, overwhelmed by the greatness of
his bliss?
'But I thought you were poor,' she faltered.
'It has pleased you to think so, dear Lady Maulevrier; but I have more
than enough for all my wants, and I shall be able to provide a fitting
home for my Mary, when you can spare her to preside over her own
establishment.'
'Establishment' seemed rather a big word, but Lady Maulevrier supposed
that in this case it meant a cook and housemaid, with perhaps later on a
boy in buttons, to break windows and block the pantry sink with missing
teaspoons.
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