om of the eastward sky came a rattling of thunder, like
quick pistol-shots. Cobb checked his steps.

'We mustn't go any further. You're getting wet, and the rain isn't
likely to stop.'

'I shall not go back,' Louise answered, 'until something has been
settled.' And she stood before him, her eyes cast down, whilst Cobb
looked at the darkening sky. 'I want to know what's going to become
of me. The Mumfords won't keep me much longer, and I don't wish to
stay where I'm not wanted.'

'Let us walk down the hill.'

A flash of lightning made Louise start, and the thunder rattled
again. But only light drops were falling. The girl stood her ground.

'I want to know what I am to do. If you can't help me, say so, and
let me go my own way.'

'Of course I can help you. That is, if you'll be honest with me. I
want to know, first of all, whether you've been encouraging that man
Bowling.'

'No, I haven't.'

'Very well, I believe you. And now I'll make you a fair offer. Marry
me as soon as I can make the arrangements, and I'll pay all you owe,
and see that you are in comfortable lodgings until I've time to get
a house. It could be done before I go to Bristol, and then, of
course, you could go with me.'

'You speak,' said Louise, after a short silence, 'just as if you
were making an agreement with a servant.'

'That's all nonsense, and you know it. I've told you how I think,
often enough, in letters, and I'm not good at saying it. Look here,
I don't think it's very wise to stand out in the middle of the
Common in a thunderstorm. Let us walk on, and I think I would put
down your umbrella.'

'It wouldn't trouble you much if I were struck with lightning.'

'All right, take it so. I shan't trouble to contradict.'

Louise followed his advice, and they began to walk quickly down the
slope towards Streatham. Neither spoke until they were in the high
road again. A strong wind was driving the rain-clouds to other
regions and the thunder had ceased; there came a grey twilight; rows
of lamps made a shimmering upon the wet ways.

'What sort of a house would you take?' Louise asked suddenly.

'Oh, a decent enough house. What kind do you want?'

'Something like the Mumfords'. It needn't be quite so large,' she
added quickly; 'but a house with a garden, in a nice road, and in a
respectable part.'

'That would suit me well enough,' answered Cobb cheerfully. 'You
seem to think I want to drag you down, but you're very much
mistaken.