Well, why not?
He could settle five thousand a year on her.
His departure for the Balkans--he might be gone a year or more--could be legally construed as desertion.

And with pretty clothes and freedom she would soon find some young chap to her liking.

But would a girl like Kitty see it from his point of view?
The marriage could take place an hour or two before he went aboard his ship.

Hang it, Hawksley wasn't so far off.

Kitty couldn't possibly be offended if he laid the business squarely on the table.