We shall see how she takes it." He moved as if about to rise, but only turned his chair slightly aside.
Constance was regarding him from under her brows.

She spoke in her most businesslike tone.
"It was this that you came to tell me ?" "Why, no.

It wasn't that at all." "What had you in mind, then ?" "I was going to ask if you would marry me--or rather, if you would promise to--or rather, if you would make believe to marry me.

I thought that, under the circumstances, it was a justifiable thing to do, for I fancied your future, as well as mine, was at stake.

Seeing our friend's condition, it appeared to me that a formal engagement between us would be a kindness to her, and involve no serious consequences for us.