You know what women are.

I too was soft-hearted--I said, Very well: yes! In a week more (I tremble as I think of it) we are to be married.' She did really tremble--she was obliged to pause and compose herself, before she could go on.

The Doctor, waiting for more facts, began to fear that he stood committed to a long story.

'Forgive me for reminding you that I have suffering persons waiting to see me,' he said.

'The sooner you can come to the point, the better for my patients and for me.' The strange smile--at once so sad and so cruel--showed itself again on the lady's lips.