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 22 THE TREMENDOUS EVENT

four years? That is what he proposes, what he insists upon. It’s for you to choose.’’

‘While they exchanged these serious words, their faces displayed no trace of the emotion which thrilled the very depths of their beings. It was as though, in being together, they experienced that sense of happiness which gives strength and tranquillity. And, as the girl, like Simon, was tall and bore herself magnificently, they received & vague impression that they were one of those privileged couples whom destiny selects for a life more strenuous, nobler and more passionate than the ordinary.

‘‘Very well,’’ said Simon. ‘‘But let me at least appeal to your father. He doesn’t know. ...’’

‘<There is nothing he doesn’t know, Simon. And it is precisely because our love displeases him and displeases my step-mother even more that he wants to get me away from you.’’

‘<T insist on this, Isabel.”’

‘*Speak to him, then, Simon, and, if he refuses, don’t try to see me to-day. To-morrow, a little before twelve o’clock, I shall be at Newhaven. Wait for me by the gangway of the steamer.”’

He had something more to say:

‘‘Have you seen, the Argus?’’