There was but a year's difference in their age; Frank, however, was still a boy, though Patience was fully a woman.
"I am ambitious, Lady Margaretta," said she.

"I own it; but I am moderate in my ambition.

I do love Greshamsbury, and if Mr Gresham had a younger brother, perhaps, you know--" "Another just like myself, I suppose," said Frank.
"Oh, yes.

I could not possibly wish for any change." "Just as eloquent as you are, Frank," said the Lady Margaretta.
"And as good a carver," said Patience.
"Miss Bateson has lost her heart to him for ever, because of his carving," said the Lady Margaretta.
"But perfection never repeats itself," said Patience.
"Well, you see, I have not got any brothers," said Frank; "so all I can do is to sacrifice myself." "Upon my word, Mr Gresham, I am under more than ordinary obligations to you; I am indeed," and Miss Oriel stood still in the path, and made a very graceful curtsy.

"Dear me! only think, Lady Margaretta, that I should be honoured with an offer from the heir the very moment he is legally entitled to make one." "And done with so much true gallantry, too," said the other; "expressing himself quite willing to postpone any views of his own or your advantage." "Yes," said Patience; "that's what I value so much: had he loved me now, there would have been no merit on his part; but a sacrifice, you know--" "Yes, ladies are so fond of such sacrifices, Frank, upon my word, I had no idea you were so very excellent at making speeches." "Well," said Frank, "I shouldn't have said sacrifice, that was a slip; what I meant was--" "Oh, dear me," said Patience, "wait a minute; now we are going to have a regular declaration.