He took every precaution in declaring his intentions,
giving the best reasons for his decision that he could think of.
"We must be careful, you know, Jenny," said he, "and cease to meet
for a while. I am ruined, you know, and the only thing that can
save me is marriage."
Hector had prepared himself for an explosion of fury, piercing cries,
hysterics, fainting-fits. To his great surprise, Jenny did not
answer a word. She became as white as her collar, her ruddy lips
blanched, her eyes stared.
"So," said she, with her teeth tightly shut to contain herself, "so
you are going to get married?"
"Alas, I must," he answered with a hypocritical sigh. "You know
that lately I have only been able to get money for you by borrowing
from my friend; his purse will not be at my service forever."
Jenny took Hector by the hand, and led him to the window. There,
looking intently at him, as if her gaze could frighten the truth
out of him, she said, slowly:
"It is really true, is it, that you are going to leave me to get
married?"
Hector disengaged one of his hands, and placed it on his heart.
"I swear it on my honor," said he.
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