Sometimes they're a good deal of help to each other; I know people who manage to be.' 'Oh, I dare say,' said Alma when he paused.

'It all depends, as you say.

You're going on to Italy at once ?' Her half-veiled eyes seemed to conceal amusement, and there was good-humoured disdain in the setting of her lips.

With audacity so incredible that it all but made her laugh, Dymes, not heeding her inquiry, jerked out the personal application of his abstract remarks.
Yes, it was a proposal of marriage--marriage on the new plan, without cares or encumbrance; a suggestion rather than a petition; off-hand, unsentimental, yet perfectly serious, as look and tone proclaimed.
'There's much to be said for your views,' Alma replied, with humorous gravity, 'but I haven't the least intention of marrying.' 'Well, I've mentioned it.' He waved his hand as if to overcome an unwonted embarrassment.

'You don't mind ?' 'Not a bit.' 'I hope we shall meet again before long, and--some day, you know--you may see the thing in another light.