An astonishing case of constancy.' 'And how is it likely to turn out ?' 'I can't predict, as the lady is unknown to me.

But,' he added with facetious gravity, 'I think it likely that they are tolerably well acquainted with each other.

Nothing but sheer poverty has kept them apart.

Pathetic, don't you think?
I have a theory that when an engagement has lasted ten years, with constancy on both sides, and poverty still prevents marriage, the State ought to make provision for a man in some way, according to his social standing.

When one thinks of it, a whole socialistic system lies in that suggestion.' 'If,' remarked Rhoda, 'it were first provided that no marriage should take place until _after_ a ten years' engagement.' 'Yes,' Barfoot assented, in his smoothest and most graceful tone.