He told himself if the child surrendered to his blan-
dishments, it would be an easy matter to induce her to
run away. He must weave a strong web of personal
attraction round her, and if her prudence sustained her
to the end, why perhaps he might commit himself to a
serious offer of marriage. He must inquire further into
her fortune. He wished it were not so difficult to put an
arm round her waist. Innocence was very well and the
prospect of a siege amusing enough at first, but a long
deferred capitulation would be immensely fatiguing; and
yet how charming she was. Not for anything would he
have her different.
" When we are wed," he began and for the first time
echoed her lately expressed hopes. In some way he felt
that she would be to blame, if harm came of it. She had
given the cue.
" When we are wed, we shall go to routs."

" But we shall be old and wise and able to go then..
