I am serious in this--serious _inter pocula_, if such a thing can be.

It is necessary to observe caution, for reasons that will at once occur to thee.

Thou canst not wed this girl--then why trifle with her till her heart be broken." "Broken it shall never be by me!" cried Richard.
"But I tell you it will be broken, if you do not desist at once," rejoined Nicholas.

"I was but jesting when I said I would rob you of her in the Morisco, though it would be charity to both, and spare you many a pang hereafter, were I to put my threat into execution.

However, I have a soft heart where aught of love is concerned, and, having pointed out the risk you will incur, I shall leave you to follow your own devices.
But, for Alizon's sake, stop in time." "You now speak soberly and sensibly enough, Nicholas," replied Richard, "and I thank you heartily for your counsel; and if I do not follow it by withdrawing at once from a pursuit which may appear to you hopeless, if not dangerous, you will, I hope, give me credit for being actuated by worthy motives.