Some three weeks had elapsed since she had given her word to be Paul's
wife, but though he had repeatedly begged her to name a day for their
wedding, he had entirely failed to obtain any satisfactory reply. When he
grew importunate, the only effect was to set her to crying, as if her
heart would break. He was completely perplexed. If she did not love him
her conduct would be readily explainable; but that she was in love with
him, and very much in love with him, he had increasing evidence every
day.
She gave nothing that could be called a reason for refusing to say when
she would marry him, though she talked feebly of its being so soon, and
of not being ready; but when he reminded her of the special
considerations that made delay inexpedient, of her own peculiarly
unprotected condition, and of Miss Ludington's uncertain health, and
desire to see them married as soon as possible, she attempted no reply,
but took refuge in tears, leaving him no choice but to relinquish the
question, and devote himself to soothing her.
When, finally, Miss Ludington asked Paul what were their plans, and he
told her of Ida's strange behaviour, they took troubled counsel together
concerning her.
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