Ha--ha--well--so humorous is life!' She stopped suddenly.

'I must go back now--this is altogether too painful, Charley! It is not at all a kind mood you are in to-day.' 'I don't want to pain you--you know I do not,' he said more gently.

'Only it just exasperates me--this you are going to do.

I wish you would not.' 'What ?' 'Marry him.

There, now I have showed you my true sentiments.' 'I must do it now,' said she.
'Why ?' he asked, dropping the off-hand masterful tone he had hitherto spoken in, and becoming earnest; still holding her arm, however, as if she were his chattel to be taken up or put down at will.