"Although you have read so much, you seem to me sometimes to take a sensible view of things.
Now, I don't want to be betrothed to you, any more than I suppose you want to be betrothed to me.

And yet we can talk quietly about the matter without a scene.

That would be impossible with most women." Bernardine laughed.

"Well, I only know," she said cheerily, "that I have enjoyed my day very much, and I'm much obliged to you for your companionship.

The fresh air, and the change of surroundings, will have done me good." His reply was characteristic of him.
"It is the least disagreeable day I have spent for many months," he said quietly.
"Let me settle with you for the sledge now," she said, drawing out her purse, just as they came in sight of the Kurhaus.
They settled money matters, and were quits.
Then he helped her out of the sledge, and he stooped to pick up the shawl she dropped.
"Here is the shawl you are always dropping," he said.