Why, I'd like to know?
Did you ever ask any one to!" "I should say not!" said Sam, with the only lie he ever told, and one most admirable.

"I should say not!" he repeated with emphasis, and in tones which carried conviction even to himself.
"You'd better not!" said Nora.

"I wouldn't of had you if they had!" Sam started.

"What's that, Nory ?" he said.

"Say that ag'in! Did you say you wouldn't of _had_ me--you wouldn't _of_ ?" His hand found hers again.
"Yes," faltered Nora, seeing herself entrapped by her own speech.
"Then, Nory," said Sam firmly, casting a big arm about her waist, "if you wouldn't _of_ had me then, I reckon now you _do_." And neither from this subtlety nor from the sturdy arm did Nora seek evasion, though she tugged faintly at the fingers which held fast her waist.
"I don't care," she murmured vaguely.