about your father? He can’t eat me, can he?’
‘He can cut me off with a shilling, my dear. And that’s just what he will do if he knows I’m engaged to you. Surely, Bell, with your strong common sense, you can see that for yourself!’
‘Of course I see it,’ retorted Bell, sharply, for the speech was not flattering to her vanity; ‘all the same, something must be done.’
‘We must wait.’
‘I’m sick of waiting.’
Gabriel rose to his feet and began to pace to and fro. ‘You cannot desire our marriage more than I do,’ he said fondly. ‘I wish to make you my wife in as public a manner as possible. But you know I have only a small income as a curate, and you would not wish us to begin life on a pittance.’
‘I should think not. I’ve had enough of cutting and contriving. But how do you intend to get enough for us to marry on?’
‘My father has promised me the rectorship of Heathcroft. The present incumbent is old and cannot possibly live long.’
‘I believe he’ll live on just to spite us,’ grumbled Bell. ‘How much is the living worth?’
‘Six hundred a year; there is also the rectory, you know.’
‘Well, I daresay we can manage on that, Gabriel. Perhaps, after all, it will be best to wait, but I don’t like it.’
‘Neither do I, my dear. If you like, I’ll tell my father and marry you to-morrow.’
‘Then you would lose Heathcroft.’
‘It’s extremely probable I would,’ replied Gabriel, dryly.
‘In that case we’ll wait,’ said Bell, springing up briskly. ‘I don’t suppose that old man is immortal, and I’m willing to stick to you for another twelve months.’
‘Bell! I thought you loved me sufficiently to accept any position.’
‘I do love you, Gabriel, but I’m not a fool, and I’m not cut out for a poor man’s wife. I’ve had quite enough of being a poor man’s daughter. When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window. That’s as true as true. No! we’ll wait till the old rector dies, but if he lasts longer than twelve months, I’ll lose heart and have to look about me for another husband in my own rank of life.’
‘Bell,’ said Gabriel, in a pained voice, ‘you are cruel!’
‘Rubbish!’ replied the practical barmaid, ‘I’m sensible. Now, come and see mother.’
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
