To-day, Edgar Linton has asked me to marry him, and I've given him an answer.

Now, before I tell you whether it was a consent or denial, you tell me which it ought to have been.' 'Really, Miss Catherine, how can I know ?' I replied.

'To be sure, considering the exhibition you performed in his presence this afternoon, I might say it would be wise to refuse him: since he asked you after that, he must either be hopelessly stupid or a venturesome fool.' 'If you talk so, I won't tell you any more,' she returned, peevishly rising to her feet.

'I accepted him, Nelly.

Be quick, and say whether I was wrong!' 'You accepted him! Then what good is it discussing the matter?
You have pledged your word, and cannot retract.' 'But say whether I should have done so--do!' she exclaimed in an irritated tone; chafing her hands together, and frowning.
'There are many things to be considered before that question can be answered properly,' I said, sententiously.