Think again, Lucy! Perhaps you spoke hastily--- out of girlish thoughtlessness--or out of kindness and a wish to please me,--but do not, in so serious a matter, consider me at all.

Consider yourself.

Consider your own nature and temperament--your own life--your own future--your own happiness.

Would you, young as you are, with all the world before you--would you, if I asked you, deliberately and of your own free will, marry me ?" She drew a sharp breath, and hurriedly wondered what was best to do.

He spoke so strangely!--he looked so oddly! But that might be because he was in love with her! Her lips parted,--she faced him straightly, lifting her head with a little air of something like defiance.
"I would!--of course I would!" she replied.