"I hardly know how to say what I am thinking of, it sounds so strange.

Listen--I also must marry someone--anyone--to avert a fate I don't want--What do you say to marrying _me_ ?" The teapot came down into the tray with a bump, while the round, childish eyes grew like saucers with astonishment.
"Oh!" "I dare say it does surprise you--" Michael then hastened to add.

"I mean, we should only go through the ceremony, of course, and you could get your money and I my freedom." The girl clasped her hands round her knees.
"And I should never have to see you again ?" in a glad voice of comprehension.
Michael leaned forward nearer to her.
"Well--no--never, unless you wished." Miss Delburg actually kicked her feet with delight.
"It is a perfectly splendid suggestion," she announced.

"We could just oblige one another in this way, and need never see or speak to each other again.

What made it come into your head?
Do you really think we could do that--Oh! how rude of me--I've forgotten to pour out your tea!" "Never mind, talking about--our marriage--is more interesting," and Mr.
Arranstoun's blue eyes filled with mischievous appreciation of the situation, even beyond the seriousness of the discussion he meant to carry to an end.