"You will not! And if you did--can't you see?--it wouldn't matter! It
just wouldn't matter!"
"Honestly? Claire dear, do you know why I came on this trip? In
Schoenstrom, I heard you say you were going to Seattle. That moment, I
decided I would, too, and get acquainted with you, if murder would do
it. But, oh, I'm clumsy."
"You've seen me clumsy, in driving. You taught me to get over it. Perhaps
I can teach you some things. And we'll study--together--evenings! I'm a
thoroughly ignorant parasite woman. Make me become real! A real woman!"
"Dear--dear----"
Mr. Boltwood loomed on them. "The train's coming, at last. We'll have a
decent sleep for once, at the Gilsons'. I've wired them to meet us." He
departed.
"Terribly glad your father keeps coming down on us, because it scares
me so I get desperate," said Milt. "Golly, I think I can hear the train.
I, uh, Claire, Claire dear----"
"Milt, are you proposing to me? Please hurry, because that is the train.
Isn't it absurd--some day you'll have to propose all over again
formally, for the benefit of people like father, when you and I already
know we're partners! We've done things together, not just danced
together! When you're an engineer, you'll call me, and I'll come
a-running up to Alaska. And sometimes you'll come with me to
Brooklyn--we'll be a couple of bombs---- There's the train. Oh,
playmate, hurry with your engineering course! Hurry, hurry, hurry!
Because when it's done, then---- Whither thou goest, there I go also!
And you did bully me, you did, you did, and I like it, and---- Yes,
father, the bags are right here. Telephone me, minute you reach Seattle,
dear, and we'll have a private lesson in balancing tea-cups---- Yes,
father, I have the tickets. So glad, dear, the trip smashed up like
this--shocked me into reality--made me realize I've been with you every
hour since I dismissed you, back in Dakota, and you looked at me, big
hurt eyes, like a child, and---- Yes, father, Pullman's at the back.
Yes, I'm coming!"
"W-wait! D-did you know I was going to propose?"
"Yes. Ever since the Yellowstone. Been trying to think of a nice way to
refuse you. But there isn't any. You're like Pinky--can't get rid of
you--have t' adopt you. Besides, I've found out----"
"You love me?"
"I don't know! How can I tell? But I do like to drive with my head on
your shoulder and---- Yesssss, father, coming!"