She sobbed there; he poured inarticulate words over her, and still held her, panting, to his beating heart.

Even when the first gush of love subsided a little he could not be so reasonable as he used to be.

He was wild against his own father, hers, and every obstacle, and implored her to marry him at once by special license, and leave the old people to untie the knot if they could.
Then Mary was astonished and hurt.
"A clandestine marriage, Mr.Clifford!" said she.

"I thought you had more respect for me than to mention such a thing." Then he had to beg her pardon, and say the separation had driven him mad.
Then she forgave him.
Then he took advantage of her clemency, and proceeded calmly to show her it was their only chance.
Then Mary forgot how severely she had checked him, and merely said that was the last thing she would consent to, and bound him on his honor never to mention to Julia Clifford that he had proposed such a thing.

Walter promised that readily enough, but stuck to his point; and as Mary's pride was wounded, and she was a girl of great spirit though love-sick, she froze to him, and soon after said she was very sorry, but she must not stay too long or papa would be angry.