"
"I wrote him a week ago, and his answer came this morning. He was
delighted, poor chap! He's in Denver, now, and could be here in
three days." "You won't need him for three months," I warned. "But
why can't you have him, dear?"
"Because mother has already engaged the duke in that capacity."
"Not really?"
"It's the gospel truth. Perry will think me no end of a snob. I
won't know what explanation to make."
"Nonsense! I'll explain it to him myself."
"Then you feel I ought to accept mother's arrangements?"
"You must, if it will make her happy."
"She assured me she would be most miserable if I didn't."
"Then it's settled," I said.
"That's not all, Elizabeth; the duke is sailing for Japan on the
twenty-sixth of February."
"And this is the twentieth!" I gasped.
"Yes, sweetheart. And mother has arranged our wedding for the
twenty-fourth."
I was silent from sheer indignation.
"I told mother you wouldn't like it. But will you . . .? Do you . . .?
Would you mind very much being married on the twenty-fourth?"
"Would you mind?" I asked.
"Mind? I should love it above everything! Life is so uncertain, each
day is so precious, and I've waited so long for you, Elizabeth.
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