That's what my unhappiness amounts to, Mary." There were two reasons that kept Mary very silent during this speech, and drew curiously straight lines upon her face.

In the first place, Ralph made no mention of marriage; in the second, he was not speaking the truth.
"I don't think it will be difficult to find a cottage," she said, with cheerful hardness, ignoring the whole of this statement.

"You've got a little money, haven't you?
Yes," she concluded, "I don't see why it shouldn't be a very good plan." They crossed the field in complete silence.

Ralph was surprised by her remark and a little hurt, and yet, on the whole, rather pleased.

He had convinced himself that it was impossible to lay his case truthfully before Mary, and, secretly, he was relieved to find that he had not parted with his dream to her.