Who inquires there?
Nobody.

We shall live there, shall we not?
Why need we be so alarmed ?' 'And Elfie,' said Stephen, his hopes kindling with hers, 'Knight thinks nothing of my being only a cottager's son; he says I am as worthy of his friendship as if I were a lord's; and if I am worthy of his friendship, I am worthy of you, am I not, Elfride ?' 'I not only have never loved anybody but you,' she said, instead of giving an answer, 'but I have not even formed a strong friendship, such as you have for Knight.

I wish you hadn't.

It diminishes me.' 'Now, Elfride, you know better,' he said wooingly.

'And had you really never any sweetheart at all ?' 'None that was ever recognized by me as such.' 'But did nobody ever love you ?' 'Yes--a man did once; very much, he said.' 'How long ago ?' 'Oh, a long time.' 'How long, dearest?
'A twelvemonth.' 'That's not VERY long' (rather disappointedly).
'I said long, not very long.' 'And did he want to marry you ?' 'I believe he did.