II + 

“On Saturday,” said Anthony in his lady’s ear⁠—one chair held them both⁠—“on Saturday we leave this England. Before I’m wanted at this unpleasant trial a fortnight or three weeks will elapse, if I know anything of English justice. In that time, lady, we will paint a girdle of colour about the earth⁠—or some of it at least.” His clasp tightened about her shoulders. “Shall we? Shall we? I want to take you away, right away! I want to show you places you’ve never seen before though you may have been in them many times. Where shall it be? Paris? Brittany? Sicily? Madrid? Any’ll be a better heaven than is really possible.” + 

To their ears came the hum of a car. As they listened, it grew louder; and yet louder. The car swept up the drive; halted. Down the stairs and past the door of the drawing-room came flying feet⁠—Dora’s. + 

“Archie. It’s Archie!” Lucia struggled to free herself. + 

Anthony held her closer. “Never mind Archibald, Answer me, woman! Do we leave England on Saturday?” + 

They heard the heavy front-door flung open; then a cry of delight; then silence. + 

“Let me down! Oh, do let me down!” Lucia begged. “Tony, pleeease! They’ll be in here in a minute.” + 

He released her, only to snatch her to him again when both were on their feet. + 

He held her close. “You’ve got to answer, you know. Do we leave England⁠—” + 

“Oh, yes. All right, all right! but haven’t you forgotten something?” He felt laughter shake her body. + 

“Forgotten something?” he said. “No, don’t think so.” + 

She drew his face down to hers. “Don’t we get married at all?” she whispered. + 

“Hell!” said Anthony. “I’d forgotten that. Damn it! That means we can’t go until Monday.” + 

They heard footsteps outside. Lucia wriggled free, her face flaming. + 

The door burst open. “Here we are!” said Deacon, enormous in the doorway. “The return of Crippen. Most affectin’!” He advanced into the room. “First: Gethryn, thank you.” He stretched out a big hand and crushed Anthony’s. + 

Dora, entering in a rush, fell upon her sister. “Loo! Loo!” she cried, “we’re going to be married! Soon!” + 

Lucia clutched at her and began to laugh. “Why, darling,” she said, “I believe I am too.” + 