We know that Gertrude had an imaginative mind; so that it is not impossible that this effort should have been partially successful.

But she only murmured, "Ah, Felix! ah, Felix!" "Why should n't they marry?
Try and make them marry!" cried Felix.
"Try and make them ?" "Turn the tables on them.

Then they will leave you alone.

I will help you as far as I can." Gertrude's heart began to beat; she was greatly excited; she had never had anything so interesting proposed to her before.

Felix had begun to row again, and he now sent the boat home with long strokes.