Perhaps love may follow these sentiments, naturally, easily, if you are
very patient; but if you talk about our being married before next year,
you will simply make me hate you.'
'Then I will say very little, except to remind you that there is no
earthly reason why we should not be married next month. October and
November are the best months for Rome, and I heard you say last night
you were pining to see Rome.'
'What then--cannot Lady Kirkbank take me to Rome?'
'And introduce you to the rowdiest people in the city,' cried Mr.
Smithson. 'Lesbia, I adore you. It is the dream of my life to be your
husband: but if you are going to spend a winter in Italy with Lady
Kirkbank, I renounce my right, I surrender my hope. You will not be the
wife of my dreams after that.'
'Do you assert a right to control my life during our engagement?'
'Some little right; above all, the privilege of choosing your friends.
And that is one reason why I most fervently desire our marriage should
not be delayed. You would find it difficult, impossible perhaps, to get
out of Lady Kirkbank's claws while you are single; but once my wife,
that amiable old person can be made to keep her distance.
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