I never met a girl I liked so much, and I am sure we should be happy." "I am sure we should," said the girl, laughing.

"You silly boy! what put such nonsense in your head?
I am far too old for you, and though I like you very much, I don't in the least want to marry you." She seemed to herself to have got out of a sober world into a sort of Mad Tea-party, where people behaved like pantaloons and spoke in conundrums.
The boy flushed and his eyes grew cross.

"Is it somebody else ?" he asked; at which the girl, with a memory of Mr.Stocks, reflected on the dreadful monotony of men's ways.
A solution flashed upon his brain.

"Are you going to marry Lewie Haystoun ?" he cried in a more cheerful voice.

After all, Lewis was his cousin, and a worthy rival.
Alice grew hotly uncomfortable.