Of course you were unprepared, and I cannot expect that you should promise me so much without a moment's consideration." "I was unprepared, and therefore I have not answered you as I should have done.

But as it has gone so far, I cannot let you leave me in uncertainty.

It is not necessary that I should keep you waiting.

In this matter I do know my own mind.

Dear Bernard, indeed it cannot be as you have proposed." She spoke in a low voice, and in a tone that had in it something of almost imploring humility; but, nevertheless, it conveyed to her cousin an assurance that she was in earnest; an assurance also that that earnest would not readily be changed.