"He's not what I'd call a swell--real gentleman--not like Mr. Chesney," said Jane. "That's different; there's not many men like him." "No, that's true," said Jane with a sigh. "I'll put a few questions to him," said Tom. "Wonder what his business is?" "Surveyor; he says so." "Can't make it out why he hangs about here so long without it's for your sake, lass." "Perhaps that has something to do with it." "Must have," said Tom. He waited to see Carl Meason, who came the next morning, eager to have Jane's answer. He had a long talk with Tom Thrush; they went for a walk; Carl returned alone. He at once put the question to Jane, saying he had her father's consent. She made up her mind quickly. It was a chance she must not let slip--there were no eligible suitors in the neighborhood. "I will marry you, Carl," she said. "You must be very good and kind to me." He drew her to him, and kissed her passionately, vowing he would do everything possible to make her happy. He would have promised anything to gain his own ends. "I want to be married in Little Trent Church," she said. "I'll get a special license," he replied. "We've no time to wait." "You're in a hurry to be off," said Jane. "Business, my dear. I'd not have stayed so long at the Sherwood Inn if it hadn't been for you." "You do love me--it's not make-believe?" "Is that make-believe," he said, crushing her in his arms, kissing her many times. She recognized it was anything but make-believe; he wanted her badly, he must love her. "Let me go," she said, panting. "You believe me?" "Yes, I believe you." "And you love me?" "Yes." He crushed her again, then reluctantly let her go and stood looking at her. "I've seen the parson," he said. "He's a queer old fellow; said he must see your father about it--and you." "That's quite right. We sort of belong to him; he's our guide. I go to church." "I told him he'd have no difficulty with you, or your father, that you'd both consent," he said. "But you didn't know we would!" she remonstrated. "I was sure of it," said Carl. When he left, Jane wondered if he had promised or given her father any money; she half suspected there had been some bargaining and resented the thought. She knew her father loved her dearly, but he also loved money and would go far to get it. Tom Thrush came home, putting a bold face on, but looked rather sheepish. "It's settled; I've taken him. We're to be married in Little Trent Church. Parson's coming to see us about it," she said. "Drat him, what's he coming for?" said Tom irritably. "Carl says we're to be married as soon as possible by special license. I suppose that's what he's coming about," replied Jane. "He's in a hurry." "We're going to the sea--for the honeymoon," said Jane, blushing prettily. "She's a beauty," thought Tom. "I wonder if she could have done better for herself?" He was seldom satisfied with anything. "Where to, what seaside?" he asked.