He really did look serious when he was saying it, and I couldn't help feeling a sort of exultation that he was number Two in one day.

And then, my dear, before I could say a word he began pouring out a perfect torrent of love-making, laying his very heart and soul at my feet.

He looked so earnest over it that I shall never again think that a man must be playful always, and never earnest, because he is merry at times.

I suppose he saw something in my face which checked him, for he suddenly stopped, and said with a sort of manly fervour that I could have loved him for if I had been free.

.