Did you love me before you met the count?
Out with it." "Well, then--yes!" cried Leoline desperately.
Sir Norman raised the hand he held, in rapture to his lips: "My darling! But I will reserve my raptures, for it is growing late, and I know you must want to go to rest.

I have a thousand things to tell you, but they must wait for daylight; only I will promise, before parting, that this is the last night you must spend here." Leoline opened her bright eyes very wide.
"To-morrow morning," went on Sir Norman, impressively, and with dignity, "you will be up and dressed by sunrise, and shortly after that radiant period, I will make my appearance with two horses--one of which I shall ride, and the other I shall lead: the one I lead you shall mount, and we will ride to the nearest church, and be married without any pomp or pageant; and then Sir Norman and Lady Kingsley will immediately leave London, and in Kingsley Castle, Devonshire, will enjoy the honeymoon and blissful repose till the plague is over.

Do you understand that ?" "Perfectly," she answered, with a radiant face.
"And agree to it ?" "You know I do, Sir Norman; only--" "Well, my pet, only what ?" "Sir Norman, I should like to see Prudence.

I want Prudence.

How can I leave her behind ?" "My dear child, she made nothing of leaving you when she thought you were dying; so never mind Prudence, but say, will you be ready ?" "I will." "That is my good little Leoline.