I can never grow out of that.

Whenever I fall into trouble, or fall in love, I shall always tell you, if you'll let me--even when I come to fall in love in earnest.' 'Why, you have always been in earnest!' said Agnes, laughing again.
'Oh! that was as a child, or a schoolboy,' said I, laughing in my turn, not without being a little shame-faced.

'Times are altering now, and I suppose I shall be in a terrible state of earnestness one day or other.
My wonder is, that you are not in earnest yourself, by this time, Agnes.' Agnes laughed again, and shook her head.
'Oh, I know you are not!' said I, 'because if you had been you would have told me.

Or at least'-- for I saw a faint blush in her face, 'you would have let me find it out for myself.

But there is no one that I know of, who deserves to love you, Agnes.