If you have made up your mind to make love to me to-day I must naturally infer that you wish to marry me." He was not prepared for this matter-of-fact statement of the case, and he answered blandly: "Why, yes." "Have you mentioned it to your father and mother ?" "No, I wanted to know first whether you would accept me." She held out her hand, which was still wet, and as he eagerly clasped it: "I am ready and willing," she said.

"I believe you to be kind and true-hearted.

But remember, I should not like to displease your parents." "Oh, do you think that my mother has never foreseen it, or that she would not be as fond of you as she is if she did not hope that you and I should marry ?" "That is true.

I am a little disturbed." They said no more.

He, for his part, was amazed at her being so little disturbed, so rational.