They broke apart after the long kiss.

"Perry, I have to say, this is so sudden."

"My feelings are not sudden, but I confess that…your shortened working hours and a certain conversation I overheard in Carlos's Restaurant yesterday made me realize that I ought to get around to telling you about them sooner rather than later."

"You were eavesdropping!"

"Yes, and I apologize for invading your privacy. But I wanted to know why you were so willing to listen to your aunt whenever she encouraged you to abandon your work – and me."

"Because I had given up hope of ever hearing you ask the question you just did. I thought I might as well try to find a new life, and try to forget you, however hard that might be."

"Then I am very glad that I was eavesdropping, for it gave me a chance to speak and prevent you from leaving."

Della laughed.

"I forgive you. But I cannot decide whether Aunt Elena will be pleased or horrified by this turn of events. She was so looking forward to having me back home and living on Market Boulevard -"

"And who says you won't live there, for several weeks a year at least? I have every intention of buying that house as a vacation home for us. Just give me the address and the name of the real estate agent and it will be yours by the end of the week."

"Perry, that would be wonderful; thank you!"

"Now," he said, wrapping his arms around her, "I have already instructed Gertie to cancel all my appointments for today. What would you like to do, Miss Street, to celebrate our engagement? Call your family? Go out and have a nice breakfast?

"Actually, Perry, I would like to spend the day here with you and finish all the work I did not do yesterday. There are many people who depend on you and your advice for their freedom, and in many cases, their lives. I have always been honored to be a part of that. We have the whole weekend to go for scenic drives and to go dancing together."

"Very well, my darling. But let me know the minute you are hungry or would like a respite."

"Of course, Perry."

How will Aunt Elena react?