Rose laughed at his fruitless efforts to get free; but Ferdinand meditatively appeared to catch a sentiment in them.
'Down-charge, Sir, will you?
Ah, Pat! Pat! You'll have to obey me, my boy.

Now, down-charge!' While Rose addressed the language of reason to Pat, Ferdinand slipped in a soft word or two.

Presently she saw him on one knee.
'Pat won't, and I will,' said he.
'But Pat shall, and you had better not,' said she.

'Besides, my dear Ferdinand,' she added, laughing, 'you don't know how to do it.' 'Do you want me to prostrate on all fours, Rose ?' 'No.

I hope not.