I am a poor forlorn young damsel, and though both of you are so gallant as to offer me a hand to help me over the perilous path we are treading, I know that I am grievously in the way." "You are joking now, love," said Henri, "and I am not only speaking, but thinking, in most true and sober earnest." "No, Henri, I am not joking; am I, Agatha?
One need not be joking because one does not use harsh, grim words.

What I say is true.

I must be an additional burden either to you or Charles.

You are already the heaviest laden, for you have your father to care for.

Besides, I have a claim upon Charles; I have for eighteen years been to him an obedient sister." "And have you no claim on me, Marie ?" "A slight one, as a cousin; but only in default of Charles.