How are the neighbors ?" "The Bassetts?
Oh, Mrs.Bassett is not at all well; Marian is at home now; Blackford is tutoring and getting ready to take the Annapolis examinations the first chance he gets." "I saw Allen to-day," he remarked carelessly.
She said nothing.

He moved his chair nearer.
"He told me things that scared me to death--among others that he and Marian are engaged." "Yes, Marian told me that." "Ah! She really takes it seriously, does she ?" "Yes, she takes it seriously; why shouldn't she ?" "It's the first time she ever took anything seriously; that's all." "Please don't speak of her like that, Dan.

You know she and I are friends, and I thought you and she were friends too.

She always speaks of you in the very kindest way.

Your leaving Mr.Bassett didn't make any difference with her.