"She consented before," pouted Miss Corsoon, "and then changed her mind. Why, I'm sure I don't know. It's much better to get married quietly and then she would have to forgive us." "My dear," said Vernon firmly, "I prefer to act honourably and openly. From a letter I received this morning it seems that my poor uncle cannot live much longer. In a month at the latest I shall be in possession of the property and the title; then I shall see your father and demand your hand. He likes me, and when he learns of my new circumstances I am sure he will consent. With him on our side your mother will be quite willing to accept me as her son-in-law." "I'll do whatever you say, dearest," whispered Lucy fondly, "only I'll never marry anyone but you. So there!" and she gave him a kiss which her lover promptly returned. Then they sat hand in hand, looking at the view, and too happy to speak further. Love's silence is more eloquent than Love's speech. Before them the reservoir rippled under the breath of a gentle wind, and spread like a vast blue lake toward the purple of the moorlands. Immediately in front of the lovers the massive wall of the dam stretched from side to side of the valley, which here was extremely narrow. Looking at that vast body of water, Vernon could not help doubting the strength of the protecting wall as the wavelets almost lipped its top. There was a channel on the hither side with flood-gates, but it seemed too small to carry off much superfluous water. In summer time the dam was no doubt all that could be desired in the way of strength, but when the winter snows melted on the moorlands it appeared probable--at least, Vernon, knowing nothing of engineering, thought so--that the water would overflow the dam. In that case it might break down the wall, and then the young man shuddered to think of what would happen. The whole contents of the lake, narrowed by the gorge, would shoot down the three odd miles of the valley with the force and condensation of a hose, and assuredly would sweep it clean from end to end. "To make things safe," said Vernon aloud and giving speech to his thoughts, "there should be two channels for waste water, each broader than the single one over there. I'm sure there will be a catastrophe some winter or spring." "Oh!" Lucy pouted again. "I speak of love and you bother yourself over this silly old puddle." "It would prove to be anything but a puddle if the dam broke," said Vernon doubtfully. "I hope Towton will take steps to make things safer. Bowderstyke Village and Gerby Hall would be smashed to pieces if this vast body of water discharged itself without leave." And he stared anxiously at the placid lake. Miss Corsoon, rather annoyed by this unlover-like conduct, rose quickly and consulted a tiny jewelled watch pinned to her blouse. "It's nearly luncheon-time," she said with an affectation of indifference, "and I am so hungry." "Hungry?" Vernon caught her hands, "when we are together."