'It is a trap--you feel it so, and that though you wouldn't be able to get away from me you might particularly wish to! Ah, if I had asked you two years ago you would have agreed instantly.

But I thought I was bound to wait for the proposal to come from you as the superior!' 'Now you are angry, and take seriously what I meant purely in fun.

You don't know me even yet! To show you that you have not been mistaken in me, I do propose to carry out this licence.

I'll marry you, dear Nicholas, to-morrow morning.' 'Ah, Christine! I am afraid I have stung you on to this, so that I cannot--' 'No, no, no!' she hastily rejoined; and there was something in her tone which suggested that she had been put upon her mettle and would not flinch.

'Take me whilst I am in the humour.