The couple were by no means plebeian, or below the proper standard of high bearing and high breeding; they were a handsome pair, living among educated people, sufficiently given to mental pursuits, and in every way what a pair of polite lovers ought to be.

The all-important conversation passed in this wise.

The site of the passionate scene was the sea-shore, on which they were walking, in autumn.
Gentleman.

"Well, Miss -- --, the long and short of it is this: here I am; you can take me or leave me." Lady--scratching a gutter on the sand with her parasol, so as to allow a little salt water to run out of one hole into another.

"Of course, I know that's all nonsense." Gentleman.