For recrimination she was prepared, but not for this smiling proposal.

But she recovered herself in an instant, and said-- "I'm really very much obliged.

It is very considerate of you, but my mother is not very well this afternoon, and I feel that I ought not to leave her." Smothering a sick feeling of discouragement, he said, as cheerfully as possible-- "I'm very sorry indeed.

Is your mother seriously sick ?" "Oh no, thank you.

I presume she will be quite well by morning." "Won't you, perhaps, go to-morrow afternoon, if she is better?
The river road which you admire so much is in all its midsummer glory." "Thank you.