'Augusta,' she would say, 'I always expected it.

I always did.' Then I should come out and curtsey to her, and say so prettily, 'Dear aunt, it was only our little joke.' That's my line.

But for you,--you, if you planned it, would go off to-morrow with Lucifer himself if you liked him." "But failing Lucifer, I shall probably be very humdrum." "You don't mean that there is anything settled, Laura ?" "There is nothing settled,--or any beginning of anything that ever can be settled, But I am not talking about myself.

He has told me that if you will accept him, he will do anything that you and I may ask him." "Yes;--he will promise." "Did you ever know him to break his word ?" "I know nothing about him, my dear.

How should I ?" "Do not pretend to be ignorant and meek, Violet.