And do you think it would be well to put in anything about your being otherwise engaged ?" At this Lawrence laughed.

"I think that expression would hardly answer," he said, "but I will write another note, and we shall see how you like it." "That will be very well," said the happy Annie, "and if I were you I'd make it as gentle as I could.

It's of no use to hurt her feelings." "Oh, I don't want to do that," said Lawrence, "and now that we have the opportunity, let us consider the question of informing your aunt of our engagement." "Oh dear, dear, dear!" said Annie, "that is a great deal worse than informing Miss March that you don't want to be engaged to her." "That is true," said Lawrence.

"It is not by any means an easy piece of business.

But we might as well look it square in the face, and determine what is to be done about it." "It is simple enough, just as we look at it," said Annie.