Still, if she managed well, there might be time--at any rate for the marriage.
"But, alas! Macassar made no vows; none at least which the most attentive ear could consider to be audible.

Crinoline's ear was attentive, but hitherto in vain.

He would come there daily to Tavistock Square; daily would that true and valiant page lay open the path to his mistress's feet; daily would Macassar sit there for a while and sigh.

But the envious hour would pass away, while the wished-for word was still unsaid; and he would hurry back, and complete with figures, too often erroneous, the audit of some diocesan balance.
"'You must help him, my dear,' said Crinoline's mamma.
"'But he says nothing, mamma,' said Crinoline in tears.
"'You must encourage him to speak, my dear.' "'I do encourage him; but by that time it is always three o'clock, and then he has to go away.' "'You should be quicker, my dear.

You should encourage him more at once.