"Shall you? I am glad of it. Well, think of it then--_why_ should we not do it, so exceptionally circumstanced as we are? We can take the afternoon train to somewhere--say to Macedon, to live up there amongst the mountains for a little while--till we decide what next to do, while our sisters enjoy themselves with Mrs. Duff-Scott. I can make all arrangements to-day, except for wedding cake and bridesmaids--and we would rather be without them. Come here to-morrow morning, my darling, as soon as the place is open, in that same pretty gown that you have got on now; and we will take a cab and go and get married peaceably, without all the town staring at us. I will see Mrs. Duff-Scott and make it all right. She shall meet us at the church, with the girls, and the major to give you away. Will you? Seriously, _will_ you?" She was silent for some time, while he leaned forward and watched her face. He saw, to his surprise, that she was actually thinking over it, and he did not interrupt her. She was, indeed, possessed by the idea that this wild project offered safety to them both in face of the impending catastrophe. If she could not secure him in the possession of his property before he was made aware that he had lost it, she might anticipate his possible refusal to let her be his benefactor, and the hindrances and difficulties that seemed likely to sunder them after having come so near to each other. She lifted her eyes from the carpet presently, and looked into his. "Do you mean that you _will?_" he exclaimed, the fierceness of his delight tempered by a still evident incredulity. "I will," she said, "if--" "Hush--hush! Don't let there be any ifs, Elizabeth!" "Yes--listen. If Mrs. Duff-Scott will freely consent and approve--" "You may consider _that_ settled, anyhow. I know she will." "And if you will see Mr. Brion to-night--" "Mr. Brion? What do we want with Mr. Brion? Settlements?" "No. But he has something to tell you about me--about my family--something that you _must_ know before we can be married." "What is it? Can't _you_ tell me what it is?" He looked surprised and uneasy. "Don't frighten me, Elizabeth--it is nothing to matter, is it?" "I don't know. I hope not. I cannot tell you myself. He will explain everything if you will see him this evening. He came back to Melbourne with us, and he is waiting to see you." "Tell me this much, at any rate," said Mr. Yelverton, anxiously; "it is no just cause or impediment to our being married to-morrow, is it?" "No. At least, I don't think so. I hope you won't."