"But you might at some future time of your life?"
"Oh yes, I might at some time."
"Well, then, do you know that without further proof of any kind you may marry again in about six years from the present—subject to nobody's objection or blame?"
"Oh yes," she said, quickly. "I know all that. But don't talk of it—seven or six years—where may we all be by that time?"
"They will soon glide by, and it will seem an astonishingly short time to look back upon when they are past—much less than to look forward to now."
"Yes, yes; I have found that in my own experience."
"Now, listen once more," Boldwood pleaded. "If I wait that time, will you marry me? You own that you owe me amends—let that be your way of making them."
"But, Mr. Boldwood—six years———"
"Do you want to be the wife of any other man?"
"No indeed! I mean, that I don't like to talk about this matter now. Perhaps it is not proper, and I ought not to allow it. Let us drop it for the present, please do!"
"Of course, I'll drop the subject if you wish. But propriety has nothing to do with reasons. I
